Not in our name

08.06.09

The fact that the “far right racist” British National Party (BNP) has won two seats in the European parliament and three county council seats is “a huge disappointment,” UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said today, adding: “The politics of hate do not belong in any parliament or council, they belong in the gutter.

“The BNP does not speak for me, nor does it speak for the overwhelming majority of people in this country,” said Mr Prentis in response to the European and English county council election results.

“The mainstream political parties must now start reconnecting with ordinary voters and address their fears. A failure of those parties resulted in many people staying home and allowing the BNP in through the back door.”

He pledged that UNISON, “and millions who share our values will continue to stand for what is right and decent, to celebrate diversity and tolerance, and we will not waiver in our campaign against the BNP.”

Mr Prentis urged people to sign the Not in my Name petition organised by the Hope not Hate campaign, which will be delivered to the European parliament.