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2) Campaigning against the BNP
Campaigning against the racist British National Party (BNP) is a real priority for Usdaw members. The really bad news is that that the BNP won a total of 13 seats in May 2003 so they now have 16 local councillors across England, 11 more than before the elections. One BNP councillor is one too many but it’s important to remember that there are millions of people across the UK that recognise the BNP for what they are – a party with a racist agenda of 'Rights For Whites'.
In spite of the BNP trying to make itself respectable, the truth is that before the veneer the old-fashioned racist party, got old-fashioned racist votes. To find out more about the true nature of the BNP and an analysis of the 2003 election results, visit Searchlight's web site.
Many of our members worked flat out in the weeks preceding the elections. In Oldham the co-ordinator of the Coalition Against Racism, Councillor Azam, was re-elected for a second term. In the run up to the elections Usdaw members were out there on the ground - leafleting on the streets, helping in the office and canvassing. On election day, they were knocking on people's doors encouraging Oldham's residents to vote. The good news is that we can and do make a difference.
Usdaw has also produced leaflets and organised a series of briefings specifically for reps in an attempt to raise awareness of what the BNP really stand for. The briefings focus on how to tackle the racist BNP in the workplace and what reps can do to support Black and Asian members in those areas where the BNP have a presence. If you would like to find out more about the briefings or would like it to be brought to your store or branch, please contact the Women and Equalities Section at Central Office telephone 0161-224 2804.
To order copies of leaflets contact the Stationery Department.
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