BNP to descend on city centre

From the Big Issue:

THE British National Party plans to hijack Manchester’s St George’s Day celebrations.
Local members of the far right group will attend a city centre parade being held to mark the English patron saint’s day on April 23.
And they plan to cash in by selling “patriotic merchandise” at the event, which aims to celebrate the city’s multicultural heritage.
Greater Manchester B.N.P has set up a St George’s Day committee to prepare for the most important date on the nationalist calendar.
Over the coming weeks, members will apply for hawkers’ licences so they can sell custom-made merchandise on the streets of Manchester.
And on the day itself, B.N.P activists will attend the festivities and use the event to promote their views.
The plans have enraged parade organisers – who warn racists will not be welcome.
A document on the party’s website says the project is part of efforts to reinvigorate the local unit, while raising vital funds.
The document says: “This parade is an initiative of Manchester people now adopted by Manchester city council. The B.N.P fully supports this initiative and would like to see a St George’s Day parade organised by every council in England.
“British National Party members will, in their capacity as citizens of Greater Manchester, support this parade with their attendance.”
The St George’s Day event, organised by the community of Miles Platting with support from the council, aims to bring Manchester residents of all ages, races and backgrounds together.
A parade, featuring floats, fancy dress and pipe and samba bands, runs from Miles Platting to Piccadilly and back again. Last year - the third such event – attracted more than 700 revellers.
The B.N.P has never before made an appearance at the festivities but once sent a donation to the organisers – who promptly returned it.
Committee chair Thelma McGrath said: “The B.N.P is definitely not wanted at this parade. This is a family street party in celebration of all our communities. It is not the place for politics or racism and I would urge people not to support them or buy any merchandise.”
Cllr Jim Battle, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, added: “The B.N.P should not bother turning up. This is a multicultural event which is about fun, not this type of politics. They are not wanted.”
A spokesman for Unite Against Fascism warned a B.N.P presence at the event would stir up racial tension in Manchester.
He said: “Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities have enriched Britain’s economy, society and culture and this should be celebrated.
“The B.N.P’s presence at this event would attempt to divide communities and stir up racism and tension. The B.N.P is the face of fascism - not Manchester."