BNP councillor threatens college

A top BNP councillor warned a college principal "there would be trouble" if he continued hosting anti-racism events, it has been claimed.

Robert Bailey, leader of the BNP on Barking and Dagenham Council - who, in the run-up to the London Assembly elections launched a tirade of foul-mouthed abuse at Recorder staff - had a face-off with Barking College principal Ted Parker on Monday, just hours before the college held a Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR) event at its Dagenham Road, Dagenham campus.

According to Mr Parker, the Alibon ward councillor ordered him to stop hosting such events, or there would be "problems" from BNP members at the college.

Mr Parker told the Recorder: "He was perfectly civil but he was obviously agitated. He seemed to be saying our students were in danger. As he left he said 'you have been warned', which sort of stuck it my mind. I thought it was a little strange. We have been involved with LMHR for a couple of years now. We oppose racism and promote harmony between people of all backgrounds, that's our ethos."

Mr Bailey denied he had threatened the college principal with possible trouble.

He said: "There will be no trouble from BNP people. We don't cause problems. They come from the far-left. I would urge the college to stop holding these events. LMHR stir up trouble and hatred and animosity wherever they go, that's what they do. They are a front group for the Labour Party and the far-left. I respect the college as a place of learning and people should be able to speak freely without fear. But once you start bringing in groups with a political agenda, it causes divisions and problems."

Mr Parker, who is retiring from his post in August, said he told the BNP councillor during their impromptu 15-minute discussion that the college would continue to host events with LMHR.

Weyman Bennett, LMHR organiser and national joint secretary for Unite Against Fascism, said: "I think that it should be investigated. It's bully boy tactics. We see this as an insult to the students who have been holding anti-fascist events in the college for years."

LMHR members visited the college to gather support for a rally being held today (Thurs) at City Hall, central London, against the BNP's London Assembly member, Cllr Richard Barnbrook - who is Cllr Bailey's deputy on Barking and Dagenham Council.

Bunny La Roche, of LMHR, said: "We feel the BNP doesn't represent London at all. The reason we have a demo is that there's an absolute anger in London and the country about the fact the BNP have got a seat.

Barking and Dagenham Recorder