Livingstone calls for anti-BNP vote
The London Mayor has called on all Londoners to vote in the forthcoming elections to stop the British National Party (BNP) gaining a foothold in the capital.
Ken Livingstone’s call follows a YouGov poll for the Evening Standard, which found that five per cent of Londoners intend to vote for the BNP – the exact proportion the BNP needs to win a seat on the London Assembly.
The poll also suggested that turn out in London could be as low as 24 per cent.
In an election broadcast tonight, Mr Livingstone says: “All politicians ask you to vote for them. I am asking you just to go out and vote. And the reason is that we face the real threat here of a BNP – British National Party – member being elected if the turnout is low.”
“BNP wants to present itself as a ‘respectable’ party. In fact their far right agenda peddles intolerance and division in order to attract votes.”
Mr Livingstone said that London’s array of cultures and people brings jobs and prosperity.
He added: “The latest polls show that the fascist BNP could win a seat on the London Assembly on June 10th. I want to urge you to use your vote to stop this happening.”
London Labour activists will be distributing leaflets repeating Mr Livingstone’s warning about a possible BNP victory.
The BNP currently has no seats in the London Assembly or in the European Parliament but senior figures in all parties are reported to be worried about its plans to field a record number of candidates in the forthcoming elections.
Steve Norris and Simon Hughes, the two major challengers to Ken Livingstone, have both backed his campaign against the BNP.
Speaking last week on a platform with Operation Black Vote Mr Norris said he was “appalled” at the prospect of a BNP candidate being elected.
“London is the greatest city in the world and if the BNP win a seat it would be a stain on the capital’s reputation,” he said.
Mr Hughes agreed: “Voters from all communities in London must send a message to the BNP that they are not welcome in the capital.”
