Makes you proud to be British

[Richard Head]

Just highlights the dangers of Proportional Representation over First Past the Post, doesn't it?

More democratic....yes
Fairer....yes
More dangerous....yes

The method of proportional representation used in the European elections seems particularly complicated.

The party with the highest number of votes gets one seat allocated in round 1. For round 2 this party has its vote divided by two. The party with the highest vote in round 2 is then allocated a seat and its vote is divided by two.

If a party which has already won a seat wins another round its vote is divided by the number of seats it has won plus one. This continues until all the seats have been allocated

[Richard Head]

.... that we've contrived to send two neanderthal racist thugs to represent us in Europe. I just can't imagine who could bring themselves to vote for what is effectively a fascist group masquerading as a political party. Weren't any lessons learnt in the 1930's? Saying it's a "protest vote" is no excuse, it makes me feel physically sick.

The BNP are an official political party who were supported by over 120,000 voters in Yorkshire and 130,000 voters in the North West. You might not agree with BNP policy but the large number of people who for whatever reason voted BNP are just as entitled to their opinion as anyone else

[jodg]

Perhaps part of the "appeal" of the BNP is that they have a strong, direct message (regardless of whether you agree or feel it's "right" or "wrong") and that will always appeal to some.

Should we be surprised though? What's the alternative? Labour, Tories and Lib Dems all now seem to be mediocre imitations of themselves and, seemingly, standing/supporting/pledging similar things.

[Antisocial]

The BNP are an official political party who were supported by over 120,000 voters in Yorkshire and 130,000 voters in the North West. You might not agree with BNP policy but the large number of people who for whatever reason voted BNP are just as entitled to their opinion as anyone else

And be scrutinised and where appropriate criticised for it - just like anyone else

[Trog]

I have been sitting on the fence watching this thread, but I get the general idea that some of the main stream followers are suggesting that any BMP voters are of inferior intelligence and deserve to be subjected to a (moral) violent attack (kick up the Arse). Is that because they do not conform to your way of thinking? If so, that makes you no different to the aforementioned party of hate.

My area now has one of the BMP Euro MP’s. In an interview on last nights local news the reported did nothing but verbally attack a party representative , if anything, the tone of the whole article was more likely to drum up further support!

[nikalas]

Perhaps part of the "appeal" of the BNP is that they have a strong, direct message (regardless of whether you agree or feel it's "right" or "wrong") and that will always appeal to some.

Should we be surprised though? What's the alternative? Labour, Tories and Lib Dems all now seem to be mediocre imitations of themselves and, seemingly, standing/supporting/pledging similar things.

As I said, the scrabbling for the middle ground by the mainstream parties has in part led to this... this is how the NF and Le Penn came to prominence in France.

[Lola]

Local politics aside, as well straight bananas, surely the 'lesson from history' argument is a little strained now. Horribly true though it is, the far right is famed for one regime in one country, once; the death toll was horrific and unforgettable but, how many of us went happily on holiday to Spain under Franco? More importantly, how many of us have cheap consumer goods made in China - probably all of us, and how democratic was the 'Cultural Revolution'?
Lets be honest, the BNP candidates won a democratic election but we don't like it, tough, that is democracy; it is not democratic to then try to limit their airtime or distort their message.

[jodg]

As I said, the scrabbling for the middle ground by the mainstream parties has in part led to this... this is how the NF and Le Penn came to prominence in France.

Similar thing applies to religion don't you think? The more extremist sects/factions, albeit christian or muslim etc. seem to have much more appeal than the "wishy washy", more conservative parts. Again, due to a powerful and arguably more action-based dogma.

[jodg]

Lets be honest, the BNP candidates won a democratic election but we don't like it, tough, that is democracy; it is not democratic to then try to limit their airtime or distort their message.

Agreed. Democracy & debate is the best way. But it's messy, noisy, fragile and we don't always like what we hear or the end result. That's the bit that sticks in the throat sometimes!

[Mud]

Lets be honest, the BNP candidates won a democratic election but we don't like it, tough, that is democracy; it is not democratic to then try to limit their airtime or distort their message.

I see your point, Lola, but I'm quite prepared to have double standards on this one.

Mainly because the BNP are Nazi scum.