Unions call for BNP ban for public sector workers

From 24dash.com:

Union leaders called today for a ban on BNP members working in public services and called for a huge campaign to counter the threat of fascism.

The TUC Congress said urgent talks should be held with the Government about extending the current ban on BNP members working in the police and prison service.

BNP membership was "incompatible" with jobs in teaching, the NHS and other parts of the public sector, said the TUC.

Delegates at the TUC Congress in Liverpool lined up to attack the BNP before holding a silent vigil outside the conference centre to press home their message.

Janice Godrich, of the Public and Commercial Services union, said the election of two BNP MEPs and local councillors was partly explained by a "collapse" in votes for Labour.

It is not acceptable that you can be a fascist at weekends, yet work between Monday and Friday accessing confidential information of members of the public.

Tim Wilson, of the National Association of Probation Officers, said it was wrong that BNP members could work in the profession, while Nick Kusak, of the Professional Footballers Association, said:

We cannot allow the extremists and the right to seize the initiative and take us back to the Dark Ages."

Julian Chapman, president of the teachers' union NASUWT told delegates:

The policies of the BNP run completely counter to the values and ethos of public services which are about tolerance, inclusion, social justice and community cohesion.

The role we must play is to expose the BNP's cynical use of the democratic process, whether in local, national or European elections, or when seeking election to school governing bodies.

Colin Moses, president of the Prison Officers Association, attacked the BBC for considering inviting BNP leader Nick Griffin on to its Question Time programme.

Lilian Macer, of Unison, agreed, saying:

What kind of world are we living in when Question Time is going to offer a seat to Nick Griffin?

We should all protest to the BBC.

Delegates also backed any public sector staff who said they did not want to come into contact with BNP members.

by Jon Land