THE recent claims by some British National Party supporters that the BNP is now the party to represent working people would be hilarious if it was not so serious.

Not only does it re-write the history of fascist activity in this area but the remainder of the UK. When fascists came to Blackburn in the 1930s it was the trade unions who were the prominent force in confronting and opposing them and it was the unions who were at the forefront of campaigns against the fascist, Kingsley Read's National Party in the 1970s.

The whole history of fascism across the globe is divide and rule society in favour of the rich and powerful.

Due to the shift to the right-wing politics of New Labour, the supporters and fellow travellers of the BNP are correct to point to a gap in mainstream politics, but it is dangerous self-delusion to look to the British National Party to fill it.

Councillor DON RISHTON, Wensley Fold Ward, Blackburn with Darwen Council.