A BNP candidate standing in the Kentish Town ward by-election is bad news for the vast majority of its residents. The BNP is a racist and fascist party that battens on public anger and discontent by attempting to divide our community and channel that ang

A BNP candidate standing in the Kentish Town ward by-election is bad news for the vast majority of its residents. The BNP is a racist and fascist party that battens on public anger and discontent by attempting to divide our community and channel that anger against ethnic and religious minorities. Rising unemployment, lack of housing, worsening health-care, stagnant wage-levels, are blamed on 'nonwhites' or Muslims or Poles, groups that face similar problems to those endured by the majority of so-called 'indigenous' families.

The BNP tell lies about ethnic minorities, raising the level of racist violence wherever they are active. In Barking and Dagenham, where there are BNP 12 councillors, between 2002 and 2004 racist attacks increased by 30%.

In addition, the BNP would seriously undermine, if not destroy, public services. In Barking and Dagenham, they opposed the building of new housing. At the council meeting of 6th December 2006, BNP councillors voted against an amendment asking the government to lift restrictions on local authorities building new homes. Moreover, the BNP want an all-white Britain. But without the hard work of Asian, black and migrant workers, the NHS would collapse.

Scapegoating minorities will only benefit the rich and powerful, those who run the corporations, banks and political institutions which are in reality responsible for the current crisis that threatens to impoverish the majority of ordinary working class people. Consistent and resolute campaigning can expose the BNP and seriously undermine its capacity to build an electoral presence in Camden.

Sabby Segal

Camden Unite Against Fascism