The modern, acceptable face of the British National Party

Today marks the passing of ten years since neo-Nazi and former BNP member David Copeland planted a bomb inside the Admiral Duncan pub in Soho. Three people died as a result and dozens more were injured.

David Copeland's attack on the heart of London's gay community was only the second of three bombs. 39 people had been injured the week before in Brixton, in a senseless attack that left and innocent toddler with a hole in the head. A week later, Brick Lane was subjected to a similar attack. Further attacks had been planned elsewhere, including an attack on the headquarters of Britain's Trades Union Congress.

I remember these attacks all too well, including the outrage and injury felt by people in communities across Britain, that a self-confessed Nazi could have done something so terrible to so many innocents.

But I also remember one politician who did not speak out to condemn Copeland. He said: “The TV footage of dozens of gay demonstrators flaunting their perversions in front of the world’s journalists showed just why so many ordinary people find these creatures so repulsive.”

That politician was the leader of the British National Party, Nick Griffin.

I ask you, is the modern, acceptable face of the BNP? What part of this statement is modern or acceptable?

This evening, Unite Against Fascism and the NUS LGBT Campaign will be holding a vigil outside the Admiral Duncan Pub on Old Compton Street at 6pm. If you can be there to remember those who lost their lives and loved ones, be there.

I can't be there. I'll be at Liverpool Guild of Students' annual awards ceremony, where I'll be delivering a message: we have six weeks to stop the BNP. Every minute of campaigning will count and there isn't a moment to spare.

Up and down the country, students are mobilising like never before. Join the campaign and get involved.

Please do something, anything, to get the student vote out and ensure that every vote is an anti-fascist vote.

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