BNP reveals candidate to fight Lincoln seat
A BNP priest is set to challenge Gillian Merron in an effort to become Lincoln's next MP.
Reverend Robert West, a former district councillor, was named as the political party's prospective parliamentary candidate at a meeting of its North Kesteven branch.
The meeting also saw Scopwick and Kirkby Green parish councillor Mike Clayton put forward as a candidate for the Sleaford and North Hykeham seat set to be vacated by Douglas Hogg.
Rev West said he anticipated support from residents disillusioned by the current state of the country.
"There is so much wrong with Britain," he said, "and I think Lincoln is right in with the rest of the country in having concerns about family values, the lack of discipline in schools and the massive rise in crime – which is partly to do with immigration, but more a collapse in values in this country. I think the Bishop of Lincoln is a character who needs to be challenged to stand up for Christianity more because he's not doing enough."
Ordained into the small Pentacostal sect the Apostolic Church more than 30 years ago, Rev West says he now has little to do with the ministry, but still practises christenings and marriage blessings.
And Lincoln is not his first attempt at gaining a parliamentary seat – the Holbeach resident last year received 2.7 percent of the vote in the Norwich North by-election.
"I know I'm not walking distance from the Cathedral, but I've visited Lincoln quite frequently as it's only an hour away – I'm not a foreigner," he said.
Architect Mr Clayton said he was hopeful of garnering support from locals to go with, what he claimed was, a doubling of party membership in Lincolnshire in recent times.
"And I've seen a lot of support in Sleaford and North Hykeham. We are not just a protest vote," he said.
But the candidacies have been met with apprehension by some of the city's minority groups.
Una Thomas, of the Lincoln Afro Caribbean Society, said she couldn't understand why a political party like the BNP existed, let alone why they would want to stand in such a diverse county.
"Why do they think they can win?" she said. "With them here, it could bring turmoil. Why can't they leave us to live in peace?"
Current Lincoln MP Gillian Merron said: "In last year's local elections, people in Lincoln resoundingly rejected the BNPs policies of hatred and racism – with their candidates coming last in every ward that they stood."
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by Matthew Holden, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 4:31PM
“The BNP standing in Lincoln is a rather novel prospect, as a nation we fought against the Nazis and we beat them! I hope because the BNP are standing, the electorate are more motivate to vote, to ensure the far right does not have any chance of success in Lincoln or the UK.
The moral panic surrounding this party is very real, I too think this party is outrageous and I am generally surprised it has any support, but because the BNP exists I know I live in a completely free and democratic society one in which I am proud of.”
by Emma Wasp, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 6:21PM
“And the problem with people like Stan Butler is that they can't/won't read what people have actually written and as a result post a load of nonsensical and irrelevant drivel as a response.
I never said that UKIP were fascists; indeed my whole point (which must be 50-60ft above your head) is that they AREN'T fascists.
However, if you can't be bothered to read what I actually wrote, then I can't be bothered to explain it to you.”
by Stan Butler, On The Busses
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 5:33PM
“The trouble is with people like Emma Wasp is they cannot think more than one dimensionally. We are not talking about Hitler, the BUF or any other political party. We talking about a democratically elected party the BNP. These people make no reference to the fact that Japan commited attrocities, companies still manufacturing cars imported into the UK used British, US and Comonwealth soldies as slaves until they died. These people also ignore the dangers of extreme Left Wing parties. Surely then; if the BNP, UKIP and such parties are all Facists;by the same rule of thumb all socialists are Communists too. Over forty million people died in Soviet Russia after the Communists had murdered their royal family. They had Siberian goulags, the Stassi and the KGB. As they entered Berlin at the end of WW2 they raped women and young girls, they murdered and thay stole. They then turned on us their allies. Look at the human rights violations in China. Or isnt condemning Communisim trendy? The ill informed insult people who right or wrong have made a concious decision to vote BNP. Lastly; I dont feel any need to justify nor make excuses for the fact that I vote BNP. Go fly your red flag elsewhere!”
by Emma Wasp, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 2:32PM
“"If people are misled by the BNP, by its methods of propaganda, and portraying themselves the saviour of British politics, how foolish they will be when this party eventually turns against them for reasons of another."
I agree and I would add that this warning applies equally to religion as it does the BNP.
As an evolved being, I see very little that separates the two.
One will attack you because your skin is the wrong colour, the other will attack you because you've chosen the wrong invisible sky pixie to believe in.
I abominate them both.”
by Peter, Lincolnshire
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 2:06PM
“Religion and Fascism do not mix but if used is just a potion to poison the minds of people and effective when taken in large dosages. However, christianity cannot align itself with the far right of politics because fascism goes against the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This so called minister must be a false teacher of biblical scripture for him to be associated with the BNP for its predecessor called the British Union of Fascists supported Adolf Hilter, the leader of the Nazi Party, who wanted to exterminate the Jewish people, the chosen people of Almighty God.
So who does this minister serve - the Lord Jesus Christ or someone else dressed up to be the saviour of the United Kingdom? Fascism killed many christians throughout WW2. It also murdered in cold blood those who opposed its extreme policies of having an exclusive race. The Jews were the main target followed by others considered to be inferior. If people are misled by the BNP, by its methods of propaganda, and portraying themselves the saviour of British politics, how foolish they will be when this party eventually turns against them for reasons of another.”