THE leaders of the three political parties on Warrington Borough Council have joined forces to counteract the threat of the British National Party in the forthcoming European Elections.
Keith Bland, Conservative, Terry O’Neill, Labour and Ian Marks, Liberal Democrat have all signed an open letter to residents urging them to vote in the elections to ensure a high turnout.
The letter sent to Warrington-Worldwide reads:
“As Leaders of the three political parties on Warrington Council, we urge your readers not to vote for the BNP at the forthcoming European Elections.
“There is a serious danger in these unusual political times that people will be persuaded to cast their votes for this extremist party that is trying hard to appear ‘reasonable’.
“Please do not be fooled. The BNP has a proven record of extremism and wants to destroy our way of life and 
divide our communities. The BNP has no place in a civilised society.
“To stop the BNP entering mainstream politics we must have a high turnout. Please use your vote and do not be put off by the current turmoil of MPs’ expenses. The vast majority of people in the North West are totally opposed to the extreme policies of the BNP but do not realise what could happen if they do not vote for an acceptable party.”
The BNP is fielding eight candidates in the North West – including its controversial leader Nick Griffin.
Other parties seeking seats in the region, in alphabetical order, are Christian Party (8), Conservatives (8), English Democrats (8), Jury Team (6), Liberal Democrats (8), No2EU:Yes to Democracy(8), Pro Democracy:Libertus.eu 
(7), Socialist Labour Party (8), Green Party (8), Labour (8), United Kingdom Independence Party (8).
There is one Independent – Francis Apaloo.
Pictured…the three party leaders, Coun Keith Bland (top), Coun Terry O’Neill (middle), Coun Ian Marks (bottom).
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4 Comments
I am somewhat bemused by this.
All the parties at all levels, have known that the BNP offer a seductive alternative to their policies, yet up until now, have done nothing to address the problems that the man in the street is concerned about. eg Europe.
Given the mess that this country is in, folks could be forgiven for voting for the shiny coat of paint and not seeing the cracks underneath it.
It is worrying, but the politicians have only themselves to blame.
PS. BNP are the only party to have stuck any leaflets through my letterbox.
Given the apathy in this country, anyone could be elected.
Perhaps if the policies of the three “major” parties on issues people care about such as europe, immigration, defence and justice weren’t so completely out of step with what many people want, and perhaps if our current elected representatives hadn’t proven themselves en masse to be putting greed and self-interest above the needs of those they seek to serve, maybe then the electorate – their employers – wouldn’t be looking for an alternative. Any of them who end up out of a job have only themselves to blame.
I hold no brief for the BNP and would not vote for them. But I think it is wrong for other parties to “gang up” and ask people not to vote for them. Also wrong for churchmen to do the same. The BNP’s own propaganda paints a very different picture of themselves than do the mainstream parties and given the behaviour of so many “respectable” politicians these days, why we should disbelieve the BNP any more than any other party.
The BNP web site does sound rather convincing….(ok so I had a quick look but only becasue of the press releases in the local news)
I would imagine that many younger people and those who are disolussioned could fall for the BNP twaddle and decide to vote their way without realising what they actually stand for.
The council leaders approach could possibly make more people look towards the BNP just out of interest as they are obviously seen as a threat by the 3 main parties… which could actually result in even more votes for the BNP.
As I’ve already said their website does read very well at a QUICK glance.. which is something most voters will ever do 🙁