Update: BNP back in Bath
There have been some changes to the BRLSI event regarding the hustings for the European Elections.
In light of the wave of walkouts lead by Labour’s Glyn Ford MEP, followed by Lib Dem Graham Watson MEP and Green Party Ricky Knight who all refused to share a platform with the British National Party candidate Jeremy Wotherspoon.
Conservative Dan Collier then jumped on the bandwagon. As a result of the boycott of the all three major parties, the format of the event has changed from a typical panel debate to that of a “job interview”.
Graham Watson MEP of the Lib Dems, while understandably (and respectably) keen to debate, quickly changed his position, justifying the U-turn with a cop-out; “I only said I wouldn’t share a platform with a BNP representative.”
The Conservatives are now are “considering [their] options in light of the changing circumstances” and the Green Party candidate has said that “It seams a very surreal compromise, and I am not really sure what action we will be taking.”
Glyn Ford has remained result, stating that “”It is vital to mobilise people to combat the threat of the British National Party. Unfortunately, we are in a position in the South West, which could well see a member of the BNP being elected to the European Parliament in the elections on 4 June this year.”
Far-Right French MEP, Jean-Marie Le Pen, of the Front National (You might call it the French BNP) has previously described Glyn Ford as “one of the seven most dangerous left-wing men in Europe.”
Also on the ballot will be Katie Hopkins “the really evil one from The Apprentice” who is running as an Independent.
I was invited to a Facebook group recently called “Students voting against the BNP on the 4th of June”. I declined to join, as I will not be voting against anybody, I will be voting for someone. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you who.
May 17th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Sweety, your page looks really nice, loved the pictures! Even though I can't be there physically, know that I'll always support you mentally
Maybe till July/August!
xx J.
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May 23rd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
That's a shocking fabrication of how it happened, designed to push a Labour agenda. Labour didn't LEAD a walkout, it was a pre-existing no-platform agreement between all of those, Conservative and Labour equally involved. Much as I cannot stand the Conservatives, you're ridiculously biased in trying to mislead the electorate. Labour, Conservative and Green all took a principled stand and Labour's so-called firm action while all other parties were flapping and looking for a leader, is a total load of bollocks. Much as your rep took a commendable principled stand, I saw you and your Labour cronies still trying to enter the meeting though, not one for principles are we?
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May 23rd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
This particular post was written before the demo (look at the date). In any case, I think I'm allowed to hold my own point of view based on the sources available to me. Glyn Ford and Ricky Knight were the first to pull out. Graham Watson pulled out then changed his mind when the format of the meeting changed. I didn't hear anything about the Conservatives, so I'm not going to say whether they were in/out/etc.
As for my "Labour cronies", I and a few of my friends were indeed hoping to enter the meeting, because we are just students who don't believe in the no platform policy, much as we hate the BNP etc.
That said, thanks for stopping by, I'm sure you'll look forward to my account of the demonstration…
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May 24th, 2009 at 6:00 am
How fun, you oppose censoring the BNP yet censor my comments on your webpage. Your views really are the definition of coherence.
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May 24th, 2009 at 9:36 am
That's the difference between a public meeting and a personal webpage! This is my space and you're a guest, so I'm entitled to "censor" out any spam I feel does not constitute constructive criticism.
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