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The BNP threatened to kill me

By Tom Flynn

Last week I received a death threat in the street outside Millbank Studios in Westminster from a leading member of a democratically elected political party. As I was leaving the BBC studio with my colleague, who had just appeared on the PM show, we found ourselves face to face with a number of angry political activists determined on confrontation. The threat was delivered despite the presence of a camera crew from one of the major TV networks and the individual made it clear that he knew who I was and how to find me. He told me that next time I set foot in Southend (I am Labour's PPC for Southend West), I was ‘going to die’.

The threat was delivered in front of the deputy leader of his party, who made no comment other than to make threatening gestures at me and laugh. No-one present from his party seemed concerned by his conduct and several took photos of myself and my colleague who was also the subject of abusive and sexist comments from the assembled mob.

As you may have guessed, these were not the actions of a mainstream, respectable political party. Anyone who has been involved with the anti-fascist movement will recognise these as the tactics of the British National Party, who had days earlier seen two of their candidates elected to the European Parliament.

This confrontation was a result of our earlier involvement in a demonstration which successfully stopped Nick Griffin from hosting a press conference on College Green which has caused controversy in both the mainstream media and the blogosphere. There was much support for our actions but many commentators felt that it was wrong to deny freedom of speech to an elected politician. But my answer to that is as follows: I will engage the BNP in the normal spirit of political debate once they offer me the same courtesy.

I will never share a platform with the BNP when doing so risks more of the same death threats I have already received (it makes it easier to threaten you if they learn your name and party affiliation at a hustings meeting). I will never stop disrupting their gatherings as long as my colleagues continue to be assaulted while distributing anti-BNP literature, as happened in Croydon (twice) and Morden during the European election campaign. I will not let Nick Griffin appear in the mainstream media without protest until he ceases to peddle racist, homophobic and sexist lies which spread hate and division.

I won’t be intimidated by you or your thugs Mr Griffin. I am one of the huge majority of people in Britain who reject you and your fascist party. And we’re not going anywhere so you had better get used to it.

Posted on Jun 15, 2009 at 08:36am

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Labours going to the right the Tories we are told is the caring party it's moving to the left, I think it's you who should be talking to the BNP you have no partry ha ha ha
Robert phew @ 29 weeks and 2 days ago
I'd send flowers
William Silver @ 36 weeks and 2 days ago

Just checking in to see if you're still with us...
Crazy Carrot @ 37 weeks and 4 days ago
Richard, I am in the Labour Party and am as opposed to his methodology as you are, especially as he has refused to respond and difine "disruption" in the context used.
Ralph Baldwin @ 37 weeks and 4 days ago
NPBA are racist. They exclude membership based on race. FACT.

You will have noticed that I also stood up for the Women's Cricket Team when you accused them of being sexist. Ergo, I don't just stick up for white middle class men.

It may also have escaped your attention that you threw out that accusation about me "only supporting white middle class men" before the subject of the NPBA was raised by Celia, so you're going to have to back up your original accusation from the material preceding said accusation. Nice try Peter, but you're going to have to back up your accusation with actual proof.

I'd suggest putting your teeth under the pillow for maximum financial benefit.
Mike C @ 38 weeks and 1 day ago
It's only just begun for me...well done on your clarity in countering the Trolls. Is it me or does each political website just get inundated with opposition views?
Should I go to Conservative home to discuss Labour Policy?


But thanks ;)
Ralph Baldwin @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
I suppose that would work for you.

You could rustle up a few of the 15% who voted for you at the Euros and discuss threads such as:

* Entrench Labour policy in law
* Grotesque racism and sexism: the truth about Oxford's Conservative Association
* Boris Johnson cancels London Jewish cultural festival
* The BNP threatened to kill me
* Dear white straight guys: it's not about you

etc. etc.

Threads either so mind numbingly dumb and retarded or as per the top one, something you'd want to hide from anyone outside this site.

The best strategy for a Tory win at the next election would be to get floating voters to come to LL and read all the threads.

Labour MEPs denying a vote on the Lisbon treaty should ever have been offered, instead we should all be thankful the EU is there to help us

An individual supposedly looking at a "constitution" suggesting that Labour ideology is "entrenched" in law to prevent a democratically elected Tory government functioning

Endless thread about white middle class males and the associated right on pc nonsense

A thread about the horror of illegal immigrants being asked to leave the uk, why did labour areas vote bnp?

I've seen very very little about Labour policy. All I see is internal Labour party squabbling and intellect light threads from teenagers (or at least it seems that way) who clearly need to get out in the sun occasionally.

Maybe a thread abour Education? Perhaps the NHS? How about the pension burden? A thought or two on defence planning?

No what LL provides is a seemingly endless supply of inane comment that shows what a busted flush Labour and the government have become.

Best thing to do is start banning people then you can go sit in a corner and have these debates safe in the knowledge no nasty Tory will point out how vapid you all are.
Guy M @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
There are plenty of places to go if you just want to spoil for a fight. But, I thought that wasn't the purpose of this blog - like ConservativeHome, it should be primarily for supporters of a particular party/politics to discuss issues. I don't think that 'the other side of the fence' is needed or adds anything to the discussions here, it simply changes the purpose of this site.

It clearly needs to be moderated far more closely and I would favour an editorial line closer to ConsHome, where it is clear that discussion is for and between those sympathetic to right-of-centre views.

I will continue to point out the problem of allowing a free-for-all for right-wing trolls on this site until the actual stated policy of the site - that it is for Labour-minded people - is put into practice. No point in wasting energy and time exchanging barbed comments with right-wing trolls. We know what each other thinks and I'm certainly not about to adopt any of your views which which I disagree almost entirely.





Mike Homfray @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
This talk of anti matter has confused me....

I say: Are you in a black hole?

I do hope you are warm and comfortable there.
Max Sceptic @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
You do it all over this thread Celia. Just look at your description of the NPBA as a racist organisation. Sticking up for white men all the way Guy.
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
Are you referring to this by any chance?

"The BNP party do and the fact that you cannot see this blatant distinction makes you either too dump to enter Cheltenham ladies college or perhaps a partaker of the kind of bigotry that took root in Croatia in the not too distant past."

First of all, I'm half Croatian. The other half is English. Never lived in Croatia, though I've visited often. I have never taken part in any bigotry whilst in Croatia or the UK. Not much of squish Peter. Must try harder next time.

Besides, what does this have to do with my original question? You still haven't identified where I've suggested that I would only stick up for middle class white men. Are you that dumb that you can't read a simple question? Come on, what's the hold up?
Mike C @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
I have neither fallen for no do I support Nick Griffin's "smokescreen". In my opinion, there is no smokescreen. Anyone who does support the BNP is fully aware of their racist and xenophobic tendencies.

You cite examples such as the English Women's Cricket Team and the Council of Jewish Deputies, and compare them to the NBPA. But they're not very good examples are they Peter? Do you still not understand why? I'll explain. Please read slowly so that it sinks in. The English Women's Cricket Team and the Council of Jewish Deputies limit their membership to certain demographic groups, but that doesn't stop other entities existing that cater for those that are excluded. Conversely we have a men's Cricket team, and the Muslim Council of Britain. There is NO National White Police Association. Those 5 per cent ethnic minorities in the police force aren't excluded from any Police organisation. Can you imagine the outcry if such an organisation was set up?

Whilst the NBPA are not a political party and they don't advocate the exclusion of non black people from the country, they do exclude non black people from becoming members of their organisations. That is still racist discrimination. It really doesn't matter how you try to dress it up.

The fact that you can't see that highlights you lack of intelligence all too well.

Mike C @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
Give him a break, he's clearly just discovered the term and is revelling in it's use. Which means it will probably be hideously passe within minutes.

Erm...... LULZ!......?
Winston Smith @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
A little tip for you.

If you actually need to keep saying 'Pwned!' then you are clearly missing the mark.

I suspect you the kind of person who tells jokes that noone laughs at, but then spends the next half an hour telling eveyone how funny it was and why.
tory 'killed for telling the uncomfortable truth' troll @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
See the complete Ustashe squish downthread
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
Hey Celia Guy Mike Irene. I love that I'm getting all this attention. Never happened on conservative home. But as Ive said elsewhere youre a bit wide of the mark on this. No worries to me. I teach psychology A Level so I see what's going on here. Problem is that some of the other readers might think youve got a bit of one track mind.

No problem though I'll keep on posting to see if you can find other similiarities. Maybe the fact I don't like right wing trolls is the main one

Till then thanks for the laughs. Keep that craziness coming

anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago


Out goes Jukes through the revolving door and in comes ATT.

Coincidence?

Same opinions.
Same manner.
Same vocabulary.
Same style.
Same bullying.
Same hectoring.
Same problems with logic.
Same inability to budge an inch.
Same obsession with people called Mike and Guy.
Same posts for God's sake!!!

Same person.

Outed.

The Very Celia Stobart @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
This is Nick Griffin's smokescreen and you've either fallen for it or are supporting it.

If you and Celia can't spot the difference, let me explain it too you in very very simple language.

1. The Orange Woman's Prize, the Council of Jewish Deputies, and Cheltenham and Newnham college are all RACIST or SEXIST organisations by your definition.

Wrong. Why...?

2. Because none of them advocate that the other groups be banned from forming their own organisations or seek democratic power over others

Let me make it very very simple for you just in case. Pro Choice groups advocate that women should be allowed access to abortion within certain limits. Some right to life groups want all abortions banned. You could say therefore that these groups (and supporters like Sarah Palin) are pro choice.

Wrong!

Why. A pro choice group doesn't want to limit Sarah Palin's choice. Sarah Palin wants to limit theirs.

Simple you see. Logical thinking takes a while but if you work hard at it.

Though I doubt logic will ever have much sway. The fact you alight on the NBPA rather than any other group (such as Cheltenham Ladies college) shows a nice little sideline in scare mongering. In fact, with less than 5 per cent ethnic minorities in the police force, it is clearly a basically white police officers association. Given the history of racism in the force (something we know about up here in Hull) one can understand the temporary formation of the NBPA.

But they are not a political party. They do not seek to exclude others from the country or abuse their rights because they are not black. The BNP party do and the fact that you cannot see this blatant distinction makes you either too dump to enter Cheltenham ladies college or perhaps a partaker of the kind of bigotry that took root in Croatia in the not too distant past.

Pwned!
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
You still don't get it do you? Are you really that stupid? Organisations like the NBPA discriminate against people based on race just like the BNP. Whilst the NBPA doesn't advocate repatriation, they are still racist in nature. It's organisations like the NBPA that swell the numbers of the BNP.

I'm half Croatian, so BNP calls for repatriation are aimed at people like me. I can assure you, I am in no way a supporter of the BNP. I also don't believe that Celia is a supporter of the BNP. Unlike you, she is intelligent enough to spot the similarities between the organisations like the NBPA and the BNP.
Mike C @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
Can you be any more offensive? what a disgusting statement....

Shows you lack an moral compass and are as far removed from society as you can get. The BNP are not a real political party, they are a sham that deserve criminal convictions not votes. I care not a jot if the BNP have no public voice they deserve none.

They play act at politics and try to copy other Party's over policy. Not that they believe in other policies. They only have one, hatred and violence at the end of a boot. They BNP are as bad as the Nazi's from WW2 and will do nothing for society.

Sadly some people would rather believe lies and utter rubbish then listen to facts and reality I take it with your sickening statement your one of them.

The BNP should be banned from being a political party and their members locked up for the violence they all to often carry out.

Free speech should not mean it allows trash to pedal lies, filth and hatred.
Gary Hills @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
None of my comments pwning your sorry ass on this have been published overnight. It was a simple point that none of these organisations from the women's orange prize to the NBPA to the Council of Jews want to exile you from civic life and repatriate you... I hope admins here wake up because it's tiresome when you trolls get a free rein to spread your Nick Griffin talking points.
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
Well of course the contest between brothers are always the fiercest.

Ofc I recognise that far left BNP and left Labour are radically different when it comes to the issue of race and immigration, however your both very similar on all other policies, especially economics. No wonder there is such animosity between the two parties, they are competing for the same voters.

Perhaps instead of no platforming them, why not try what the right does and debate them on the issues, we have no trouble destroying them in debate. I know that you’re not used to winning debates, against us, but against those even further to your left you should do ok.
James - Man of the Right @ 38 weeks and 2 days ago
That's a pretty impressive comment Ralph. I spend most my time here countering the trolls and rarely stop by to give a thumbs up. But have several from me. Sorry if you got all these trolls quoting Nick Griffin back at you. They say they don't support the BNP but I wish they spent some of the energy they put into defending his arguments into countering him.
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
We already know who you are Peter. So that big reveal will be rather pointless.

I asked you to point out where I have made comments that suggested I would only stick up for middle class white men, and I'm still waiting. You live in a dream world where you think you're squishing trolls. The reality is quite different.
Mike C @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Referring to yourself in the third person Peter? Surely a sign of an unstable mind.

From what I understand, Celia is already married I'm afraid. So sorry Peter, I don't think you stand a chance there.

I made no mention of the NBPA or the English Women's Cricket Team. Why are you asking me? Is this further proof that you're losing your mind?

But seeing as you asked, when Celia mentioned the NBPA she used them as an example of an organisation that excludes members based on their race. The English Women's Cricket Team is different from the NBPA in many ways. First of all, The English Women's Cricket team are not actively involved in enforcing any laws. They do not have powers of arrest, it isn't illegal to take photographs of them whilst they're in 'uniform', and from what I understand, they don't prevent any specific person from joining their ranks on the basis of the colour of their skin.

I think that you were trying to suggest that they too discriminate (against men in their case), but you fail to understand one important point. The men can join the English MEN's Cricket Team. And the reason separate teams exist is because of the physical differences between men and women.

There is no National White Police Association. THAT is the difference between the NBPA and the English Women's Cricket Team. Next time try to use an example that will actually help prove your point, not Celia's.
Mike C @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Mike C so you fantasise about Peter Jukes in drag too! How wonderful. You're not a delicate little flower perhaps but you guys are going to have some real egg on your face when you discover who I am. But let that revelation wait another day. In the meantime how are those new dentures. Give me an argument which isn't about your cross dressing fantasy and I'll happily remove them
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Hardly. You spent most of the time misreading what I had written. My teeth are perfectly intact thanks. You see, I'm not a delicate little flower like you Peter. I don't need to fake leaving this LabourList and creating an alter ego.
Mike C @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Hey Mike T. I pummelled Mike C into the ground. Look at the diary on Middle Class White Males. He was picking his teeth out of the gutter. So I look forward to a few rounds with you in the near future (when you say anything interesting that is)

Until then my second Mike friend farewell
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Max please let me introduce myself I'm a troll who is both the anti matter which will make Tory Troll implode in some kind of space time collapse AND anti all Tory trolls in general

So are you one?

lots around sorry if that sounds offensive
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Two mike trolls. What happened between Peter Jukes and Celia Stobart? Were they married or something because that sure is some weird vibe going on there.

So both Mikes. How is the NBPA any different from the English Women's Cricket Team. Yes they define themselves in terms of a minority but they are not a political party and don't suggest repatriation as a solution.

I see that Celia's hear throb Peter Jukes left Labour List saying that one of you two were apologists for the BNP. I can't remember which one it is but this line of argument (Nick Griffin's line of argument) that they are like the National Black Police Officers Association is a very BNP kind of argument.

Does anyone here NOT apologise for the BNP? That would be my question and answers on a postcard please
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
...but Leigh on Sea is lovely. or it was, last time I was there.
Alan Giles @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Or me perhaps?

I swear he's lost it.
Mike Thomas @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
I think that because you've identified anti tory troll as Peter Jukes in drag, he's trying to suggest that you and I are also one and the same. This is typical anti tory troll. When he's lost the argument, he changes the subject.
Mike C @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Well, I'm adding to the argument - from the other side of the fence.

Politics needs two opposing views to exist, otherwise it is simply a peon to the Dear Leader and you take it in turns to blow sunshine up his derriere and his lackeys.

Now you might prefer the latter, I prefer the former.

And without countering the former - Labour will not taste power for a generation.

I notice all you do Mr. Homfray is add snide one-liners; so what are you here for?
Mike Thomas @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Max,

I guess he is Peter Jukes in disguise and therefore anti anyone that has the temerity to think for themself and have an opinion contrary to his political view.

An 'Anti-Tory' troll at best.

A troll in the true definition of the word at worse.
Mike Thomas @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
". The threat was delivered despite the presence of a camera crew from one of the major TV networks "

Well what can one say?. It is often said that people who talk about commiting suicide rarely do so, and I should say, in this case, if these individuals had REALLY intended to cause you harm, they would hardly do so in front of potential witnesses.

People often say "I could kill such and such" about people, without meaning it literally. It's a figure of speech. And I have to plead as guilty as many. Whenever I hear the smug voice and see the mournful visage of Frank Field..... well, enough said. But I wouldn't actually DO it, Leuitenant columbo!
Alan Giles @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Can you please clarify whether you are anti tory troll (i.e. specifically against the poster known as 'Tory Troll') or anti-Tory troll (i.e. you are a troll who targets Tories.

I so dislike ambiguities....
Max Sceptic @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
????
Ralph Baldwin @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Then they should leave democratic politics and get therapy.
Ralph Baldwin @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Tom Flynn likes to grab the headlines any way he can and this stinks of Mandelson or Campbell. The BNP have made progress, which ever way you want to look at it. Condemn their mandate if you wish, but millions voted for them in the recent EU elections and no amount of hand-wringing is going to alter this fact and I do not believe what Tom Flynn is claiming! I am a Eurosceptic and Labour do not like us, although I do not believe in the BNP philosophy, they are gaining ground similarly with UKIP who have a much more understandable mandate. If Tom Flynn was threatened with death by the BNP why doesn't he prosecute them? Labour have lost the plot as far as the EU is concerned and no amount of 'spinning' by Mandelson or Campbell will alter the publics view about the legality of the EU. It is undemocratic, end of story!!
Derek Bunting @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Why would the Conservatives want to kill Tom?

He's only a Parliamentary candidate and therefore absolutely of no threat whatsoever to anyone, anywhere.
Max Sceptic @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Peter, pick me!
The Very Celia Stobart @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Any comment Mike?
The Very Celia Stobart @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Beats me but the presence of so many tories gives me a target rich environment. Where to start?
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Mike, on that basis let's ban the women's cricket team.
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
But, Mike, this is meant to be a blog for 'Labour-minded people'. Which you are very clearly not.

So, what exactly are you doing here?
Mike Homfray @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Well that is the central problem The BNP has no real enemies in either party as they are so busy promoting themselves. This article has been written by a man promoting himself as a victim and yet showing defiance in the face of the BNP. Labour and Conservative Parliamentary candidates are desperate for power and money and have no real interest in dealing with the BNP. They do not fully understand how dangerous and serious democracy really is as they consider it a career platform. We are at a very dangerous point in our history.
That is why real politicians who are not motivated by wealth or the delusion of power (that ultimately enslaves the one seeking it) have to stand forth. We need decent Parliamentary candidates like there is no tommorrow.
Ralph Baldwin @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
I am not a supporter or spokesperson of the BNP or its brand of extreme socialism. I am aware of Nick Griffin's conviction for incitement to racial hatred in April 1998, and of the misdeeds of its other organisers.

But I know double standards when I see them. Having these associations like the NBPA sounds all nice and PC and inclusive, but is actually divisive.

It’s hard to think of anything more damaging to race relations when senior black police officers tell us that the Met is not safe for black people.
Andrew Webb @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
I do not consider a debate on Immigration racist and never will Sam. I am not like many politicians in my party who are so afraid. I want a debate so that we can get some sense out of the whole protracted business. As to your inference regarding the Poles, I do not know the numbers. But you also have to consider the numbers of UK employees and businessmen making money in Europe. And believe me they are many despite hostility from those countries in thier attitude to intruder (as they perceive it) UK businesses.

You are correct. The BNP got in under a Labour Government. I will not dispute this utter shame and for me terrible embarresment. The lack of quality of our MP's is a great disgrace as the expenses debacle affected Labour particularly badly (rightfully) and sent our supporters home in shock and rightful anger. I agree with you on the insanity of the "political elite" of the Labour Party (you only have to see my criticisms of them elsewhere on this website) in losing the plot. That why I am so angry with my Parliamentary Party.


I am not elected. I could not be a member of a political party when I served in the armed forces for a war I did not agree with, I did not have the luxory of that choice. But I did my duty. Now my party has created a terrible mess I intend to clean it up. Hence the passion and verve with my terminology. Not for one moment do I shrink from my responsibilities as a citizen. In fact I intend to use the very freedom of being a citizen to defeat the BNP. But I did not invent the BNP and though the genie is out of the bottle, I did not create the bottle, or rub it. In fact on the first night the Telegraph unleashed (rightly) the first story I offered the Cabinet and many MP's (those who allow themselves to be contacted) an email warning them to act immediatley and was ignored. I sent a second message four days later as they were beginning to realise the reality of the situation and they still ignored it.
I wrote to the BBC and Channel Four and requested that they show a programme (cross party) that highlights the real work most (good MPs) do inthier constituencies, I was ignored.
I did everything in my power to prevent what has happened. Over a year ago I contacted Conservative and the Labour Party and stated that they needed to change the Constitution fast, I was ignored. I have the emails as evidence to this day. I think I have done my bit already, but the battle for decency and democracy continues despite our politicians and media.
Ralph Baldwin @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Well Ralph, I see what you mean. However you need to look closer to home to find out the truth about the BNP's electoral success.

YOU (ie Labour supporters of a Labour Govt) gave Griffin his main chance by abandoning the British working class. Immigration without control left core Labour voters feeling disenfranchised. And lets be clear, criticising immigration policy is not racism. As an example, 600,000 white Poles arrived on these shores leaving traditional Labour supporters with wages were cut or out of a job.

The BNP got in under YOUR watch.

A political class and media elite tried to irrevocably change this country against the wishes of the majority who see in the BNP the last hope before England, and it is England that matters to them, is lost. They never wanted mass immigration, a multicultural society, a globalised low wage world but this is what the elites have given them.

YOU have let the BNP genie out of the bottle. It will take more than 20 hours a week to get it back in.
Sam Francisco @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Sam, I apologise for my terminology though you are right to catch me on it. Rheotorically speaking at the election count I use the term "wiping them out"
to mean utterly defeating them in the democratic process. Haha I see the irony. Just goes to show terminology is a dangerous business.
It is difficult to not get empassioned when dealing with those whose ideals our grandfathers fought against. However in my defence my methods dictate (please do not misinterpret the meaning of "dictate") who am I am and the methods are peaceful and unantagonistic. Oh I never thought you were as bad as anyone. You caught me in a blunder....faux pas...so why would I think you are as bad as anybody when you have been smart?
Though I think you are harsh in your assessment, I never once questioned the democratic legitimacy of the BNP. I have spent the last two weeks attacking the corruption of my party and even offered to resign my membership if it gets worse over this very issue.
I supported (I have the emails to prove it) Douglas Carswell in removing the speaker who attacked a very moralistic and wise Labour MP (a women) who saw all the expense nonesense coming in advance. I have always defended the people when given the chance and I am doing so now, as I stated it is very difficult for all of us not to get passionate and emotional when dealing with those people to whom mercy and kindness are but alien emotions that others feel. If that is a crime then I am guilty.
Ralph Baldwin @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
I'm a bit puzzled why you reported your serious incident here? It's a bit weird to try and make a political point out of a death threat. I'm sure there are people in the Conservative Party who'd like to kill you too.
Bob Ed @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Valid point Max. It would be lovely if we could use that death threat to out martyr the self named martrys!
Ralph Baldwin @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago


Fat chance..

If any footage of a BNP thug threatening to kill Tom existed it would be on here.... twice.



Crazy Carrot @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Send the secret police out to assasinate them in a crazy ricin, blackfriars bridge sort of thing. Or arrest, show trial and public hanging.

Do tell!
Alan M @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Peter, you forgot to ask "Which one denies people membership of their organisation if they are unfortunate enough to be born white?"

Two wrongs do not make a right.
The Very Celia Stobart @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
"I have been planning on wiping these guys out for four months"

And I bet you can't even see the hilarious irony in that totalitarian, faux-fascist, anti-democratic remark.

Do the words "democratically", "elected", "whether", "you", "like", "it", "or", "not" ring any bells?

You guys ....

(BTW) I'm Jewish and married to a member of an ethnic minority - so please - spare me the "you're just as bad as them" line.
Sam Francisco @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Wow. That's exactly what Nick Griffin said on a BBC TV interview. Are you his spokesman here?

Funny isn't it: you note the difference between the NBPA and the BNP? Which one is a political party? Which one advocates repatriation of 'non members'? Which one denies the holocaust?
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Tom, Thanks for confirming that you reported the incident. For clarification, can you confirm whether or not you lodged an official complaint against the perpetrator (backed up with the contact details of the camera crew who, as you write, were present).
Max Sceptic @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Well good luck.

I only hope that the Tories do the sensible thing with you guys and combine on platform to take them on in debate. This is an issue where cross-party consensus is vital.
Mike Thomas @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Well MIke stick around, if I am still in the Labour Party next week I'll give you the lowdown.
I have been planning on wiping these guys out for four months, working in my own time around twenty hours a week on this project. At times it has been bloody distasteful I can tell you. But I have put together quite the strategy on dealing with the BNP.
I have been in touch with Jon Cruddas and given him my views and he seems to have reacted well so far...but we will see.. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.....
Ralph Baldwin @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Voting for the BNP will be like voting for John Sergeant in 'Strictly' unless the major parties address the issues, instead of just shouting "fascists" and throwing eggs and name-calling.

By which I mean the more the self-righteous defenders of our morals bleat about the BNP, the more some people will vote for them just to wind up the pompous.
The Very Celia Stobart @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
I couldn't agree more. It's all very well saying they are racist, fascist thugs but they are now elected racist, fascist thugs.

As such they must be unelected in terms of policy and debate.

So I look forward to read how Labour are going to attract voters from the BNP back into their fold.
Mike Thomas @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Tom I did not assume that you didn't contact the police I asked why you did not. In your statement there is no mention of the police. If you do not provide people with a full set of facts they will ask fairly clear questions and will naturally make some assumptions.
You quite clearly state that you will "not stop disrupting thier gatherings". I think you may wish to elaborate so we do not all ask the wrong questions or reach the wrong natural assumptions.
Ralph Baldwin @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
I think you’ll find people are a lot more interested in policy analysis and election strategy than the above. “BNP thug threatens me” is up there with “Bear sh*ts in the wood”

So far all this outrage at BNP advances in the polls just looks like a cheap scare tactic designed to oxygenate Labours stagnant support.

But you should still answer the point about it being OK for your side to intimidate them but not them you.

Crazy Carrot @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
First of all, a number of you have made assumptions about my involvement in Tuesday's demonsrtation. I was asked to mobilise anti-BNP supporters for a peaceful demonstration in protest against their press conference by standing behind Griffin while he spoke and holding placards which said 'not in my name'. All mainstream parties use similar tactics during election campaigns (e.g. Labour parking a billboard van with the famous Hague/Thatcher behind Portillo while he gave a press conference during the 2001 campaign).

I was not aware of anyone bringing eggs and would have discouraged their use.

Why are people under the assumption that I have not contacted the police? I take threats from the BNP very seriously and have reported the incident.

Finally, this article was not intending to discuss how we take on the BNP, merely an account of what occurred last week. Those who know me know that protest is a small part of what I do to counter the BNP both in a work and a personal capacity. I will post another day about how we beat them on policy and devising an effective electoral strategy if people are interested.

Many thanks for the majority of comments which have been constructive and helpful. I'm not going to bother responding to the tired argument about the National Black Police Association. It's an argument Griffin has been using for years and it's nonsense - see here for a rebuttal:
http://isthebnpracist.co.uk/
Tom Flynn @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Again you miss the point.

Its not the people that make the arguements whom you should seek to persuade its the people who listen to said arguments and are find they are persuaded by them.

You will never win over the hard core, just write them off.

Its the everday folk who decide that they have a point that you need to win over.

You guys need to learn how to pick your battles.





Crazy Carrot @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago

Ok have it your way. I look forward to watching the running street battles from the comfort of my sofa.



Crazy Carrot @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Crazy carrot by name and by nature it seems.

Would love to see right wing thugs 'role' over but I guess just giving into them is a better tactic. That worked so well in Munich. Long live Chamberlain I say
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
In the same way as the National Black Police Association are not racist.

Think about it.
Andrew Webb @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Disturbing as it sounds Tom the comments about your initially confronting the BNP are right. You cannot claim to uphold freedoms and then decide on your own volition or with a group that any other individual or group cannot enjoy the same freedoms. It is because of the brainless clumsy and very selfish strategy devised by people like you that has made the BNP appear to be Martyrs. People are very weary of Governments restricting our freedoms and every time you antagonise these sad pathetic people you are literally handing them votes from the electorate. You are going to have to be smarter if you want to see an end to the abhorance that is the BNP. If they are dishing out death threats and there were actual witnesses why did you not contact the police? I believe a death threat is common assault. If you really wish to see an end to the BNP then please start using your brain.

I will be in Barking (unless Margaret Becket makes Speaker in which case my business in and with the Labour Party will be over) in August with the sole purpose of defeating the BNP. I will not be antagonising them, I will not be handing out yellow balloons and patronizing the public. I will be addressing the core issues, face to face on the doorstep. I will also be using a carefully prepared planned strategy that actually undermines the very methodology employed by the BNP. Something I learnt in the military, if you want to defeat your enemy you must respect him/her first and understand him/her. Only then can you recognise and expolit any weaknesses.
Ralph Baldwin @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
You cannot have a reasoned argument with people who's arguments are not based on reason.
Morys Ireland @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago


The point here is that if you intimidate thugs they dont role over and take it.

To expect them to is just plain stupid.









Crazy Carrot @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
"This is serious stuff. I really hope you are going to pursue this to get a prosecution."

Do any of the parties do "pursue and prosecution?"
lee Matthews @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
don't smear people as racist just because you don't like their viewpoint on immigration.

Huh? The BNP are a party whose membership criteria excludes non-whites. How can you say that they are not racist?
Richard Blogger @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Isn't this interesting. A Labour candidate writes about death threats from the BNP. Gives the time the place and some witnesses, and all that everyone can say is

"You're lying..."
"People like you threw eggs at the BNP. That's just as bad."

Phew. This is Labour list, right? I can see I have my work cut out for me here. Might have to change my name too - anti Tory and Pro BNP Trolls. But that's a bit of a mouthful.

Sorry to hear what happened to you Paul.
anti tory troll @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago


And what would you have us do with their 1 million voters ???

Shall we make sure they cannot function too.


Crazy Carrot @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago


Everyone dies a little when they enter Southend.



Crazy Carrot @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
This post is absolutely hilarious…. We just didn’t see this coming did we…..


Do you really not see the paradox here Tom?

The BNP has almost a million voters now and you believe that you have the right to silence their representatives by the use of force and intimidation, a few eggs and booting their car.

When they threaten you in retaliation you feel outraged and come on here to whine and bleat for sympathy.


3 questions:

Do you really think that intimidation is the best way to take on the BNP.
(I suspect that they might just be better at it than you lot)

Do you not think reasoned argument and humour might not be a better weapon.

Do you not think that it might be a better idea to ask them a few searching questions about their actual policies rather than shout them down.


Oh yes and the next time that they decide to hold a press conference, Id be careful, I suspect they might just be ready for you and I know which gang of street fighters my money is on.




Crazy Carrot @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
I have nothing left to say so for posterity.... from elsewhere here.

I post here under my real name and the accusation you made was one that I consider very serious and totally and utterly without merit and absolutely false.

My construct of my argument was that in the case of Labour's immigration policy and it's 'No Platform' policy combined with Labour's polemic and reactionary language to anyone seeking a debate on this issue - this precipitated the situation of two BNP MEPs. I also quoted Rod Liddle who wrote much the same thing without being labelled as a BNP apologist nor causing negative comment.

As Labour are in government, these are Labour policies, that the fault for these policies lays at Labour's and Labour's door alone. That those policies have turned people, largely ex-Labour voters towards the BNP. That was my argument and a viewpoint shared with Rod Liddle.

I'm not going to defend the Left when their policies have gone a very long way to precipitating the rise of the BNP to elected office.

That's not apologia for the BNP Peter yet you chose to take a part of a comment I had made out of context and start to place this accusation under other non-related comments I had made.

Which finally left me with no option to refer it for moderation.

The next day, you change your name here to repeat the accusation about me and you were asked to change it.

After being asked not to repeat it this accusation by moderation; you then edited every comment you had made to include this accusation (some 15+ in total) in two separate Labour List articles to again infer I had sympathises for the BNP and somehow I was an apologist for them.

Which I do not and am not and will never be.

You do not know the trouble my parents went through having an adopted little girl of a different skin colour throughout the 1970s. I probably only know half of it. It wasn't ethnic differences between Poles and Brits; this was an issue of skin colour.

The problem is Peter, I consider your ideas and opinion are also not the answer and they are very much part of the problem. Neither is violence the answer in countering their existence which I was sorry to see you admit that you were happy to engage in.

I'm not the person with 'games' Peter; just what I see as the truth.

I witnessed several peaceful protests as a child against the National Front. We even took part as a 6 and 7 year old myself with my parents who were reluctant protesters because they just wanted a tolerant society to be left in peace to raise their kids.

Let's just say in the industrial West Midlands there were plenty of idiots going around saying much the same in the late 1970s as they do now.

To then see the "anti-fascists" turn up for fight in the midst of families seeking peaceful remonstration made them just as bad as the National Front to me.

So you are no champion of anti-fascism Peter, merely a person with a violent past as a means to opposition and simply the reactionary opposite complete with language to ruin lives.

It is very much a case of "Not in my name."

You are also someone who is happy to soil someone's name who lived life as proof that colour should make no difference to who you are, what you think and what you believe.

You have tried to paint me as someone who thinks the BNP have a point in some way shape or form.

I don't see skin colour where my sister is concerned; I see my sister - it is that simple.

I actually pity you because if you can do to that to someone to make yourself think you have the right answers - then I really think something inside you is broken.

Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.... You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love./ Martin Luther King.

Ask yourself, where do you fit within that quote Peter in everything you have said and done?
Mike Thomas @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
We've had Kinnock's "longest suicide note in history".

Now we've got Jukes' "longest 'adieu' in history". Like a bad prawn sandwich, it keeps on repeating.
The Very Celia Stobart @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Nope. You insist on mischaracterising what happened. As I leave, you gave me an opportunity to set the record straight.

I too have seen the violent face of the far right, and the smug Monday Club Tories who sit back and say that 'anti fascists are as bad' are aiding and abetting the fascists in my books. What did Burke say about 'all it takes for evil to flourish...'
Peter Jukes @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
I, I, I, I, I, I, I. Feeling the need to justify yourself Peter? I thought you were leaving?

I'm not retracting anything Peter. What you think of me exists in your mind and it is not a view shared by anyone else other than you.

To quote you: Deal with it

Mike Thomas @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Finally - something the BNP did that is their own fault. I'll take this as a retraction of your line that "It's not the far right wing to blame, it's the left's fault."

I only raise this again because you wouldn't let it alone today in the response to Anti Tory Troll.

I always thought you'd dug a hole for yourself with a knee jerk statement, and not that you were in a dyed in the wool Nazi apologist. I said that the statement sounded like one, and you're thrashing around with it only made things worse.

So I accept your apology and retraction, made here, though I do note you endeavoured to get my substantive comments trashed. I've written to Alex about this selective moderation, and I'm saying goodbye here to explain why I'm leaving. To say, as you keep on maintaining, that the BNP is a 'left' phenomenon, that it has nothing to do with the right, that there's nothing 'national' in national socialism, is an intolerable revisionism, and given the millions of deaths last century (and the intimidation that still goes in) an intolerable assertion.

Yet, when you made it, I didn't seek to have your comments trashed - I merely pushed back. Pushed back in a way you couldn't tolerate, and you sought to have my comment removed. Fine. Alex made that decision: a completely wrong one in my books, given my history and background, and the fact I use my real name. So I will cease to post here.

Meanwhile, this is my point of view on the record, on an issue of anti fascism close to my heart. I hope at least this spat has taught you to dial down your rhetoric on this subject Mike Thomas. It's not a matter for trite sound bites and thoughtless apologies.
Peter Jukes @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
So - let me just get this right.

You assert that you have the right to stop the democratically-elected members of a political party from holding a press conference; and further that you have the right to 'never stop disrupting their gatherings' whenever you feel like it.

Thank you for clarifying how Labour upholds the principles of democracy. Perhaps if you took a more rational look at your comments and activities, you would understand why people vote for the BNP - and in increasing numbers.

But since the Labour party is now apparently totally clueless as to the mood of public opinion within Britain today, you simply don't seem to see how hypocritical your actions are.

Richard
Richard Jahn @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Hear, hear. We need to make sure the group of thugs cannot function.
Melanie Lang @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
If what you report truly happened, then it's your duty to inform the police and make an official complaint.

If you don't do these things then you are either irresponsible or exaggerating (aka 'lying').
Max Sceptic @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Have you been to Southend?

He was probably a "chef" from one of the numerous kebab shops and was refering to Salmonella
Old Holborn @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Well you need to report it and name names.

Also, don't smear people as racist just because you don't like their viewpoint on immigration.

I do not support the BNP though I get the distinct impression that it is lefties that do not wish to engage in debate, but rather shout down, interrupt, talk over and undermine in general.

Anyone who saw last Sunday's The Big Questions will know what I mean.

I see that the evil McBride is still working for the current shower, albeit on a covert basis:

http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/labourparty/McBride-39back-working-for-government39.5364066.jp

Don't you people have any shame?
Andrew Webb @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Well if its true you need to report it to the police, and the EU ombudsman for meps..
martin lewis @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
"There is no such thing as bad publicity, except your own obituary." Brendan Behan
The Very Celia Stobart @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
'He told me that next time I set foot in Southend (I am PPC for Southend West), I was ‘going to die’.'

was it meant literally or metaphorically ?
david cheeseman @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago
Did you contact the Police to inform them who made the death threat? If indeed it is in front of TV camera; this would be prima-facie evidence to make a prosecution.

Also, there was a witness who could be made to testify regardless of their political allegiance.

This is serious stuff. I really hope you are going to pursue this to get a prosecution.
Mike Thomas @ 38 weeks and 3 days ago