BNP set to launch election campaign

Anti-fascist groups have claimed the BNP is aiming to "divide and weaken" a community by launching its general election campaign in an inner-city suburb.

BNP leader Nick Griffin is due to visit Barking east London BNP leader Nick Griffin is due to visit Barking, east London [PA]

The visit of BNP leader Nick Griffin to Barking, in east London, is expected to attract protests and demonstrations.

Mr Griffin has said he intends to stand in the constituency in the next general election.

Unite Against Fascism has promised to mount a protest against the BNP's presence in the area.

Weyman Bennett, joint secretary of Unite Against Fascism, said: "Griffin is coming to Barking to peddle his racist poison in order to divide and weaken the community.

"We want to bring people together to expose him as a Nazi and a racist. The vast majority of people in Barking hate Griffin and the fascist BNP.

"We want to mobilise that majority to drive Griffin's vote down and drive the BNP out of town."

A BNP spokesman confirmed that Mr Griffin would be visiting the area.

Extra officers from the Metropolitan Police are expected to marshal the event.

In June, the BNP won its first two seats in the European Parliament. The Barking constituency is currently held by culture minister Margaret Hodge.

Comments Unavailable

Sorry, we are unable to accept comments about this article at the moment. However, you will find some great articles which you can comment on right now in our Comment section.

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?