BNP resist calls to reveal Flintshire 'shop' location

Calls have been made for the far-right British National Party to reveal the exact location of its new merchandising headquarters in North East Wales.

The BNP is refusing to reveal the exact location of the new HQ – alleging it could become a target for anti-BNP 'extremists'. The new facility, which produces memorabilia including T-shirts, books and badges, is based somewhere in Deeside. But party leaders are keeping its address secret through fear of attacks by political opponents who view the BNP as racist.

The BNP's national treasurer, John Walker, of Mancot, said: "Lots of extremists on the far-left would probably come around and cause trouble for us – that's why we want to keep the location private. It's just common sense security. We don't have anything to hide but this is a situation we have been forced into by our political opponents."

Called Excalibur, the store sells keyrings and badges bearing Union Jacks and slogans such as 'British and Proud' and 'England: love it or leave it'.

Party leader Nick Griffin has confirmed Excalibur has been moved to Deeside, but party bosses refuse to be more specific.

A video clip on BNPtv, which has also been posted on popular video-sharing website YouTube, shows Mr Walker giving a tour of Excalibur. But Mr Walker told the Leader there was 'no need to advertise the precise location' as it is an internet order and bulk mailing operation, and isn't open to the general public.

Mainstream politicians have branded the BNP 'extremists' and urged them to come clean.

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, said: "If they've got nothing to hide in terms of the operation they should stand by their convictions and reveal where it is. If these extremists want to have the public take them seriously there should be no hidden shops or warehouses, everything should be open and transparent."

Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami added: "If the party isn't going to reveal where the new facility is that's entirely a matter for them, but it does demonstrate the rather seedy and
undercover activities of groups like this. I don't know where Mr Walker gets this evidence from that Excalibur would be a target for trouble, but if he believes that it's a matter for him. I do know that Flintshire Council has had to remove quite a lot of pro-BNP graffiti from our streets, which is equally a criminal activity."

The BNP is fielding 24 candidates across 48 seats in North Wales in the local council elections on May 1, including two Flintshire County Council seats.

Mr Walker is standing in Mancot, while Mark Anthony Deacon will contest Gronant.

Mr Walker denied the BNP is a racist party. He said: "We're not a racist party at all. We're just more concerned with the lives of our own people and are opposed to uncontrolled, unsustainable mass immigration in all its forms."

Wrexham Leader