come back BNP, all is forgiven
It’s universally acknowledged that the far right benefit from recessionary times. Economic hardship, rising unemployment, inflation and lower levels of public spending all contribute to higher levels of political resentment and dissention, clearly demonstrated in the growth of far right parties such as Golden Dawn in Greece and the National Front in France. Consequently, the far right looks as though it’s going to have a bit of a field day at the up-and-coming European elections and there’s every chance we’ll see a neo-Nazi MEP. The good news is it ain’t going to be a British one.
Just five years ago the BNP, with 6% of the vote, won two such seats, and the English Defence League looked set to mobilise a significant minority of the electorate. Following the near Damascene conversion of its leader, Tommy Johnson, and the bankruptcy and public humiliation of the BNP’s leader, Nick Griffin, their rout is complete. For the first time since 2001, Britain will find itself BNP free. Hallelujah!
But, be careful what you wish far. Undoubtedly, much of the far right will vote UKIP, especially under its one-issue immigration banner. And whilst they continue to be bolstered by the traditional tory vote, they will also draw heavily from the hard-pressed working class north. We should loudly celebrate the demise of the extreme right but need to be equally concerned as to why so many are potentially going to turn their backs on mainstream politics. As a party in office, or coalition, I worry about what UKIP could easily and quickly become.
