First and foremost, it is excellent to see Chairman Rock using the wonderfully revamped CF Website to make what unquesitonably constitutes a political post. Given that the recent history of CF has seen the organisation almost exclusively focused on electioneering and socialising, it is sometimes easy to forget that it is in fact a political organisation affiliated to the Conservative Party. This reconnection of the CF individual with his natural political animal is to be applauded and I sincerely hope a number of CF members follow Michael’s lead. Its about time CF members had a forum where political matters could be frankly and openly discussed.
The post itself concerns an issue which is particularly close to my heart; the continued and regrettable advancement of extreme nationalism in the UK. I was fortunate enough to spend some of my childhood in East Ham, one of the most wonderfully multicultural and vibrant parts of London. Those of you who know your geography will be aware that East Ham neighbours Barking, an area where the repulsive British National Party have unfortunately enjoyed considerable electoral success. Its electoral advancement, although still thankfully minimal, is not just confined to Barking and there are pockets of the nation where support for extreme nationalism has increased in recent times.
In his blogpost, Michael makes an often argued, yet still seemingly controversial, point regarding the ideological and political positioning of the BNP. Michael suggests the BNP should in fact be correctly classified as a left wing rather then right wing political organisation. Somewhat predictably, his views have been condemned by rent a cause Plaid AM Bethan Jenkins, who has historically never allowed reason, intelligence and facts to get in the way of a good rant against anything or anybody more right wing then the average Social Democrat. Given it is Miss Jenkins who has articulated the nonsensical criticism that Rock’s views are disgraceful, I think it is safe to assume they are in fact not. A good rule of Welsh politics, in my assessment, is to simply take the alternative view to whatever Bethan is proposing. It usually cannot see you far wrong and it almost universally leads you down the correct pathway.
For what it’s worth…I personally think it is also inaccurate to declare the BNP a left wing political organisation. I personally consider the BNP to be an extreme nationalist organisation with a diverse membership comprising of socialists, conservatives and, believe it or not, self professed liberals. I feel extreme nationalism cannot be adequately located on a left/right axis and it is futile to attempt to do so. As a consequence, I think all three mainstream political parties have historically lost voters to the BNP and I think all three will continue to do so unless the concerns of certain sections of our society are listened to and addressed.
In the recent past however, it is unquestionable that the BNP have performed particularly well in parts of the UK which may be described as traditionally socialist. I can therefore understand why some attempt to portray the BNP as a left wing problem. Barking and Dagenham may be many things…but traditionally conservative (that’s a small c there) they are not. Burnley, Bradford, Oldham and Stoke may be many things… but traditionally conservative they are not. I therefore do not think it is ridiculous to suggest that some adherents to socialist thinking do not find it a huge political jump to switch to extreme nationalism.
Equally concerning however is the rise in theoritical support organisations such as the BNP have been receiving in areas where conservatism flourishes. This has yet to transcend itself into electoral support and the extent to which it will do remains a moot point until we have some electoral data to dissect. Pinning my colours to the mast however… I do think the British National Party, if it fields candidates in parts of Alf Garnett Toryland, will find itself saving an alarmingly high number of deposits.
The most important part of Michael’s post was the title… We must all unite together to defeat the menace of the BNP. The BNP is a horrendous organisation that seeks to divide this wonderful nation. The fact they declare themselves the upholders of nationalism in this country makes me sick. It is however an organisation which has perfected the art of effective localised political campaigning. It hurts to type this, but the BNP do have the ability, in various parts of the UK, to out campaign the three mainstream political parties. This really must change.
For me, the way in which we endeavour to combat the BNP is totally arse about face. For example, why do we insist on supporting NUS No Platform Polices when it comes to the BNP? I say let them speak and trust that our arguments will win the day. Refusing them a voice only allows them to play the erosion of liberty card. Let them have a platform…and let us demonstrate to the watching masses that our beliefs and values are stronger and more credible then anything they can offer. In addition, why on earth do we persist with this, albeit good intentioned, notion that bussing a shedload of Anti-BNP campaigners into a community for a 24 hour campaign drop is somehow an effective move? Fighting the BNP is not like fighting a general election under normal rules of engagement. This sort of action achieves absolutely nothing other then to make those who have given the BNP a listen even more determined to stick with their newfound allegiance. The whole point people is that certain parts of the UK react badly to outsiders venturing in and ordering them around!!! Barking does not want a bunch of students descending on it telling it who it should or should not vote for. Places such as this need strong local community voices to emerge and fight the scourge of the BNP head on and within a localised context. The fight is a slow and extremely localised one…and we as political organisations owe it to those engaged in the fight to offer administrative support from afar wherever we can.
In my mind, all mainstream political parties must support local candidates in such areas if success is to be achieved. It is here that selection is crucial. Disengaged political participants need to know their potential liberal, socialist or conservative representative understands them, their concerns and their way of thinking. They need to be authentic and embrace the local culture of these wonderful communities. Shipping in a careerist from 200 miles away may win you the seat, but it does not address the underlying problem. Finally, we need to recognise that success is not about seeing the BNP share of the vote dwindle to 1% or 2%. This is still far too high and no reason to stop our efforts. As mainstream political participants, we need to be constantly vigilant against the threat posed by extreme nationalism. We need to assist those in our local communities who are promoting community cohesion and fight tooth and nail against those who spread division and hatred. A liberal society is a tolerant one. We must all strive to defend that.
For this reason – political organisations such as the BNP are something all of us, conservatives, socialists, communists, libertarians and all other ideological creeds, must unite to defeat. It is a problem for us all to address and one we must if we are to tackle the continued advancement of extreme nationalism in our wonderful nation.
The BNP is a cancer of mainstream politics. Lets work together to beat it
