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British Democratic Party
Another BNP splinter group, the British Democratic Party started in
a village hall last year in Leicester when 10 members, including ex
BNP member Andrew Brons MEP, gathered to create their own party.
Brons had failed to oust Nick Griffin during their leadership battle
and left the party to start his own.
Gathered in that first committee were many people with strong
far-right links including the National Front and the party has openly
stated that it is seeking to replace the BNP as the largest nationalist
party in the country.
As it is a new organisation, not much is known about its gay-friendly credentials. However,
its policy clearly states it does not support the goods and service act and one article on its
websites lambasts hate crime laws after a gay man was convicted of a homophobic act. The
comments underneath the article bears out the received idea that it is the sort of party that
attracts a good deal of homophobic bigots. Expect a lot more hate from this party in the
future!
The National Front
Ironically, one place ex BNP members are heading is the very place
the BNP began. In 1982 the BNP was formed after a split with the
National Front and both organisations went in different directions.
If the National Front was a whiskey, then it makes the BNP look like
half a shandy! Unashamed neo-fascist, there is no ‘public face’ for the
National Front. The cornerstone of their manifesto is repatriation of
all non-white immigrants and a ban on all future immigration.
Their views on homosexuality are not any better. If the National Front ever get into a
position of power, they have promised to instantly reinstate Section 28 as well as once
again making homosexual sex acts a criminal offense. Many local NF websites carry highly
homophobic and bigoted material and there are regular protests against Pride events.
However, there is one silver lining. The National Front has never won at an election, even at
the height of its popularity in the late 70s and early 80s.
In a recent poll by the Guardian, few people could tell the difference between statements
made by members of the BNP or UKIP. While the party has proved itself to be a threat, it
could well be that they have reached a watermark and as the party continues to make bad
headlines, its supporters will decline. However, the far-right has plenty of other places for
extremists to lurk. Let’s hope the ex-BNP brigade continue to in-fight and hamper their own
progress in the last year before the general election.
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