Demo against 'growing threat' of BNP
A wave of protest against the British National Party is to culminate in a protest march in Lincoln.
Lincoln and District Trades' Council organised the march following the election of two BNP members to the European Union.
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Richard Banks (left) and Dave Tompkins leading a group of those who will be taking part in the rally.
The group is keen to highlight what it feels are the real policies and background of the BNP.
Secretary of the Lincoln and District Trade Union Council Graham Peck said: "Lincoln and District Trades' Council is bitterly disappointed with the recent election of two British National Party members to the European Parliament.
"In the light of this growing threat in the county, and the election on our doorstep of Andrew Brons for Yorkshire and Humberside region, the Trades' Council has decided to call a demonstration to oppose the rise of the racist BNP."
The far right organisation had 23 candidates standing in the Lincolnshire County Council elections, but did not make any gains in the area.
Boston is currently the only place in the county with a BNP councillor.
The rally is due to be held on Saturday, meeting outside the University of Lincoln at 11.30am before leaving at noon and heading up Wigford Way, along Guildhall Street and down High Street.
East Midlands regional organiser for the BNP Geoff Dickens said: "Irrespective of what people like to think, different communities do not get on well together.
"Some of the more established communities of immigrants from the 60s and 70s are as much in despair of the new groups and the state of the country as the BNP."
For more on the protest against the BNP, see Wednesday's Echo.
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by An apolitical and floating voter, Living on the fringe of Lincoln
Friday, July 10 2009, 1:13PM
“It may be well worth a visit in the city centre of Lincoln to see who turns up for this demonstration on Saturday.
It could be a form of entertainment for those going.
Will the BNP turn out in force in protest against the protesters.
What slogans will be use and who will shout the loudest?
But then, that is democracy when the Far Right take on the Extreme Left for poll position.
I wonder how many members of New Labour will support the demo against the BNP?
It will be interesting how the BNP will dress for this occassion for their forefathers called the British Union of Fascists had their own distinctive uniform and were known as black shirts. The former National Front members liked to be dressed up as skin heads.
Who will fly the Union Jack or have the English flag used as form of recognition?
It will be very interesting indeed.
Going...I am.”
by Lesley, Lincoln
Friday, July 10 2009, 9:02AM
“OOh another heartwarming comment from wonky eye last night:
The BNP support the far right Danish party comment about the "chemotherapy of Islam".
Lovely.
Lets construe human beings with the language of disease. That won't stir up any hatred will it?”
by Gedge, Lincoln
Thursday, July 09 2009, 2:44PM
“Hmm bit reluctant to join in today as it seems to be Stephen against the world (yesterday was a bit more lively with more BNP about, as they trawl the web nationally for stories about them) but he does seem to sum up the problem with the BNP as a ¿proper¿ political party. Whenever it¿s policies are examined not a lot of substance remains and they resort to rants about left-wing extremists and trying to divert attention to problems elsewhere ¿ hence his bizarre comments about the anti-apartheid movement and Mugabe.
None of the pro-BNP supporters have come up with any facts to back their policies, whether it is over immigration or jobs, just empty rhetoric that appeals to peoples fear and looks for scapegoats rather than proper solutions. Likewise Lesley¿s reasonable request for reaction to Nick Griffins comments were also ignored.
The BNP have spent the last couple of years shouting that they want to be listened to and that they are more than just a bunch of slogans and thugs. Well they have had the opportunity and I still haven¿t heard anything different.”
by Lesley, Lincoln
Thursday, July 09 2009, 1:41PM
“"Judging your regularity on this site and your false assumptions, intollerance and general behaviour to date it seems that not only do you have far too much time on your hands, but you are intollerant, abussive, spiteful, vindictive and biggoted yourself."
You are welcome to your opinion as I am welcome to mine. However, it would be nice if, when declaring it simply hideous that I call you a fool and a bigot both insulting you and abusing you, you didn't then come back with a few choice insults and abuses of your own sweetheart.
I am passionate. I am anti-racism. You have told us all that you voted for the BNP in the last two elections. Don't expect me to think of you as anything more than a bigot and a fool. You have voted for bigots and fools. Ergo.....
"I am trying to say that extremisin in ANY context, whether it be extreme right or extreme left is simply intollerable."
A BNP voter begins supporting extremism the minute their ballot is cast.
Oh, and you still haven't had an opinion on your leaders sinking comments.....any thoughts?
"Grow up, remove your bliinkers and see the whole picture. Either that or stop annoying the adults."
And Stephen, darling, if a child could write this eloquently I certainly would take my children to the school that produced it.”
by Pro, Lincoln
Thursday, July 09 2009, 1:03PM
“How does this always come to being a debate about socialists and communists? Stephen, you're always prattling on about the USSR, does this then make the BNP okay? No just another example of some unfortunate happenings, I am never really sure of your point. Also you have a go at Lesley for calling you biggotted then do the same thing, which then undermines your point. It is the playground equivalent of 'I know you are but what am I'”