BNP members are exposed
Nov 20 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
DOZENS of North BNP supporters have had their private details revealed online after the party’s membership list was leaked.
Leader of the British National Party Nick Griffin last night said he intends to take court action after the personal details of thousands of party members were published on a website.
The list revealed North East BNP members from all walks of life, including a serviceman in the intelligence corps, a Durham school governor, a doctor, company directors and bodyguards, as well as a DJ, a sports instructor, IT consultants and a born-again Christian. One member has contacted Northumbria Police concerned that his details had been revealed.
Earlier this year the BNP said it had obtained an injunction at the High Court in Manchester banning any publication of the list. Mr Griffin said: “It was entirely wrongly used without authority by a very small group of previous party members who were expelled late last year who then passed it on, to who we simply don’t know.
“All we can say is that if we find out who it was and they are one of those covered by the High Court injunction, then they are going to prison.”
Merseyside Police have started an investigation into PC Steve Bettley, who was included on the list of BNP members.
Officers are banned from joining or promoting the BNP because it would damage race relations, according to the Association of Chief Police Officers.
The BNP’s North East regional organiser, Ken Booth, who lives in Newcastle and is one of those on the list, said he has had reports that a small number of people have received abusive calls and emails.
“These are anonymous, cowardly acts by our opponents,’’ said Mr Booth.
He described publication of the list as despicable and declared: “It won’t stop us. It’s not a current list, it’s a year out of date.’’
Mr Booth, 54, who has stood unsuccessfully at six local elections in Newcastle, contesting seats in Elswick, Lemington and Newburn, said his address is printed on his election papers.
“Obviously, some people may get calls,’’ he said.
“I get death threats during elections, but we have to stand firm.”
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