Vote No To The BNP

Earlier this evening, in the neighbouring constituency of St Austell and Newquay, British National Party party representative James Fitton and his supporters were escorted away from The Keay public debate by the police.

Not invited by organisers, PCS (Public and Commercial Services Union) because of their extreme right wing political policies, Mr Fitton made good on his promise to crash the debate. Taking a seat amongst the audience, vocally proclaiming himself as “just another member of the public”, Mr Fitton ignored warnings from the event chair to leave before the authorities arrived.

The candidates waited in the foyer as neither side was willing to budge, but after fifteen minutes the stalemate was broken as the police arrived and requested Mr Fitton leave. After some objection, he left the room but continued arguing with officers, claiming he had been called a “fascist”.

Although mostly popular amongst the people in attendance, none of whom expressed support for BNP policy, there was some discussion as to whether his democratic right to free speech was being infringed. Local resident, Michael Elkington, chose to leave the debate following the exchange between Mr Fitton and police.

He said of this action, “I do not in any way support the BNP. But part of what makes this country great is the right to free expression, and by denying them a platform they garner support, publicity and possibly even credibility. By giving them a chance to discuss their ideas in the open, it is easier to see how ridiculous they really are.

This was the final public debate for the candidates, and was completed without further controversy. The seat, a marginal which has been clearly targeted by both Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, is likely to be closely contested.

Vote No To The BNP in 2010

©2010 Vote-No-To-BNP

Source: Truro People