I AM honestly happy that Councillor Par'vaiz Awan (Letters, July 12) now admits that he was mistaken about the opinions of the British National Party and now appreciates the fact they are actually a misunderstood organisation.

I also honestly believe that ignoring the opinions of 4,150 voters by excluding any member of the BNP from the community conference at Turf Moor, Burnley, on July 5 was, in fact, a strong statement for the freedom of speech in a country that prides itself on being democratic. I really, really do!

M HARTLEY, The Croft, Burnley Road, Cliviger, Burnley.