I am disgusted BNP represents us at Brussels (From Knutsford Guardian)

I am disgusted BNP represents us at Brussels

11:30am Thursday 25th June 2009

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I AM sure the vast majority of your readership will share my sense of disgust that we in the north west are now represented by a member of the British National Party in the European Parliament.

This is a party that openly discriminates against minority groups, is intolerant of other cultures and traditions and also proposes the reintroduction of corporal and capital punishment. In the aftermath of recent events, many people will ask how could this have happened?

Three groups must share responsibility.

First of all, the mainstream political parties, which must in future co-ordinate their campaigns to expose the BNP’s rhetoric for what it really is.

Secondly, those members of the electorate who actually voted for the BNP and thirdly, non-voters who stayed at home on May 4.

The BNP were able to gain a seat despite polling fewer votes than they received in 2004.

Its share of the vote rose as overall turnout fell from 40.9 per cent to 31.9 per cent.

While some may offer expenses scandals and disillusionment with mainstream politics as their excuse, in the north west there were 13 different options on the ballot paper, covering the whole political spectrum.

Our democracy may be far from perfect and voting reform much needed, however the strength of democracy relies on majority participation.

Each MEP elected will be able to claim up to £1m in expenses over the next five years, on top of an annual salary of £80,000.

This will undoubtedly mean taxpayers money being used to fund future BNP election campaigns.

Apathy has a high price indeed!

CRAIG BROWNE

Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Tatton

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