Board of Deputies Campaign against the BNP

BOARD LAUNCHES 1000 GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGNS AGAINST THE BNP
 

On Sunday March 15th, members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews stood together against racism and extremism to send a message to those who advocate the politics of hate.

A new campaign kit was launched to assist grassroots activities in the run up to the June European Elections, with the slogan ‘Your Voice or Theirs’. The aim is to encourage local communities and groups to unite to run local campaigning events to highlight the threat faced from the British National Party and the importance of voting for a mainstream political party.

The Board of Deputies is distributing a thousand of these kits across the community over the next four weeks. The kits contain everything needed to run a local campaign from posters to leaflets and balloons. A regional support network has been created as well as a campaign helpline to assist local groups in their campaigns.

The date of the election is June 4th, and the BNP claim that they intend to put up candidates in every part of the United Kingdom, providing them with an unprecedented platform across the country. In some constituencies, they need only 7.5% of the vote to gain a seat in the European Parliament.

Henry Grunwald QC, President of the Board said:

“As a community, we need to unite to say no to the politics of hate and extremism wherever they may be. The unhappy reality is that the BNP is gaining momentum and may well be successful in the forthcoming elections."

“I, for one, am not prepared to say that I sat back and did nothing whilst a national racist campaign is launched across Britain. The Board of Deputies is doing everything it can to support local community groups in our collective fight against the BNP and I hope that, collectively, we will rise to the occasion.”

“We want the community to spread the word about the elections and the threat posed by the BNP. Use your democratic right and register to vote by May 18th for the elections on June 4th. The higher the turnout across the country, the harder it is for the BNP to succeed. Every vote for a mainstream political party is a vote against extremism.”

For more information, and to join the campaign, please visit the new website at: www.fight-racism.co.uk and join the “Your Voice or Theirs” Facebook group.

The Campaign is a cross community effort organised by the Board of Deputies

Each Campaign Kit includes 500 leaflets, 200 postcards, 100 stickers, 30 balloons, 4 posters and a guide to local campaigning

The campaign kits are being distributed across the country to every community.

The British National Party is contesting the European elections in every region:
Region No. of Seats Available Approx. BNP vote (%) required to get one MEP

North East 3 17.0%,North West 8 8.5%, Yorkshire & Humber 6 11.5%, 
East Midlands 6 11.5%, West Midlands 6 11.5%, East 7 10.0%,
London 8 8.5%, South East 10 7.5%, South West 6 11.5%, Wales 4 16.0%,
Scotland 6 11.5% (Adapted from www.hopenothate.org.uk)
 
For additional information about voter eligibility and how to register to vote please visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk For more information contact Ruth Smeeth at  Ruth.Smeeth@gmail.com