MSP in call for political unity against BNP

Published on Wednesday 10 June 2009 10:08

LOTHIANS SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville has called for united action from across the political spectrum to ensure the BNP does not gain a foothold in Scotland.

And her call has already won backing from MSPs from other parties and SNP colleagues.

Ms Somerville said the BNP winning two seats in England in the European elections should be a wake-up call to all politicians. "It can't be dismissed as simply a protest vote," she said.

She said all parties had a responsibility to tackle the issue, no matter how well they had done in the election. "We must also take every opportunity to expose the BNP for the racists that they are," she added.

"Thankfully, their vote was still low in Edinburgh at 1.6 per cent. I also take heart that they couldn't find a candidate for the recent Forth by-election. Yet we must not be complacent."

Malcolm Chisholm, Labour MSP for Edinburgh North & Leith, Lothians Labour MSP George Foulkes and Lothians Green MSP Robin Harper are among those backing a motion on the BNP tabled by Ms Somerville in the Scottish Parliament.