Build a real alternative to BNP

SOCIALIST STUDENTS groups from across Yorkshire have been fighting alongside other left- wing organisations and trade unions to expose the far-right BNP's fascist underbelly, which they have been trying to hide.

Monique Hirst and Ian Slattery, Huddersfield Socialist Students

BNP leader Nick Griffin was appearing at Leeds Crown Court, facing charges of spreading racial hatred. This January, two of four accused BNP members were found not guilty, but Griffin and one other were ordered back for a re-trial.

Both trials saw national BNP mobilisations to try to show their support. They now have over 40 councillors nationwide but they could only muster around 50 in January and a few hundred last week.

Their support in elections clearly has more to do with general frustration at the mainstream political parties than a strong belief in their racist, divisive policies.

The BNP have moved off the ground of an openly racist, violent, ultra-right organisation in search of support - at least at the ballot box - from a wider base. The BNP has been claiming to support some nationalisations, building new houses and other populist moves.

Not only do they fail to follow this through, but they use the votes these policies win to stoke up racial tension wherever they have elected members.

Last week's protest was attended mainly by left-wing groups and one or two trade unions. Many people want to help fight the BNP. However, without a political alternative, the BNP will keep gaining ground. This puts great importance on the Campaign for a New Workers' Party to succeed so socialists and trade unionists can stand against the BNP by the next general election.

We can push back the ideas of racism and fascism, however, by fighting them wherever we can - even under capitalism.

The Socialist Party and Socialist Students will continue to support the demands of the anti-racism movement while fighting to put in place a society based on need not greed.

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