BNP political broadcast prompts protests

Rallies are being organised in three UK cities against a political broadcast by the far-right British National Party.
Protests are planned in London, Cardiff, and Manchester on Friday May 28, when a party political broadcast from the BNP is due to be transmitted by BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, five, and S4C.
According to some press reports the broadcast, which will promote BNP candidates in the June 10 European and local elections, will deride multi-cultural cosmopolitan parts of London and Britain.
The rallies are being organised by an umbrella organisation Unite Against Fascism (UAF), which has attracted support from several unions including Bectu and the NUJ, and representatives of both unions are expected to attend the three events.
Bectu has already advised members that those who decline to participate in transmitting the broadcast on grounds of conscience will be supported by the union.
On May 28 evening rallies have been scheduled for: BBC TV Centre, White City, London (5pm); BBC Oxford Road, Manchester (5pm); and BBC Llandaff, Llantrisant Road, Cardiff (5.30pm).
UAF organisers have asked volunteers willing to help with publicity for the events to contact them on 020 7833 4916 ([email protected]) or NAAR on 020 7247 9907 ([email protected]).
(GB)