News has reached us that the Executive Committee of the BNP’s fake Solidarity trade union has called in the police to investigate the affairs of the strife-torn organisation. EC members Clive Potter and Tim Hawke have also involved the trade union Certification Officer and sought the help of Leicester MP Peter Soulsby. This confirms comments made on the Nazi Stormfront forum.
This comes in the same week that Solidarity’s 2006 annual return became available, showing that at the beginning of 2007 the union had only 42 members. In May Vice-President Tim Hawke emailed one of our correspondents claiming that the union had around 100 members.
We don’t intend to repeat the entire Solidarity saga here (links to the relevant LUAF articles are provided below), save to reiterate that the farce began at a quorate meeting of Solidarity’s Executive Committee, where allegations of irregular behaviour regarding the union’s funds were put to General Secretary Patrick Harrington, and which at a later Special Executive Meeting resulted in his suspension pending an investigation.
Harrington, an old friend of BNP leader Nick Griffin, refused to accept his suspension and sought Griffin’s support. This seems to have caught the BNP leadership off-balance, as the “rescue plan” they put into operation was badly thought out - completely disregarding Solidarity’s legally agreed constitution - and enacted with typical BNP heavy-handedness.
Any pretence that Solidarity was ever anything other than yet another BNP front was shattered when the union’s host provider, owned by failed South African school-bomber and BNP member Lambertus Nieuwhof, hijacked its website which remains in the control of Harrington’s version of Solidarity. An unconsitutional EGM was quickly called, it being agreed beforehand to expand the number of Executive Committee posts and to carve them up between the BNP and Third Way (the tiny organisation represented by Harrington), which the non-EGM duly ratified.
The BNP’s internal affairs may be conducted in this hole and corner manner, but the affairs of what is a legally constituted trade union are quite a different matter.
Any unbiased perusal of Solidarity’s constitution will show that the Special Executive Meeting which suspended Patrick Harrington was a legal gathering within the scope of that constitution. Whether Harrington was guilty or not of the charges made against him has no bearing on that inescapable fact.
Consequently, we believe that the actions of Harrington and his supporters since that time have been entirely beyond Solidarity’s constitution, that his and the BNP’s version of the union has no real legal existence, and, therefore, no right to utilise the official union’s financial and other resources, including its membership lists - hence the involvement of the police.
Solidarity update - BNP’s Nick Griffin heavily criticised for interference
Where next for the BNP’s amoeba-like Solidarity union?
Solidarity disaster goes critical as criminal investigation is threatened
BNP discards democracy completely to force takeover of 'independent' Solidarity
Solidarity - an email update from the Vice-President Tim Hawke
BNP's Solidarity situation worsens - fake union under threat
BNP's fake union Solidarity already up against the ropes
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August 11, 2007
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33 comments:
Nice to see someone in the BNP with guts. Clive Potter should be given an award for his honesty. Going up against those vicious clowns can't be easy.
Your 2007 yearbook is going to be like Churchills diaries. Great stuff as always and keep on kicking the fuckers.
This fight doesn't end.
Peace Love and Unity
It's about bloody time the police were involved in this fiasco.
"Your 2007 yearbook is going to be like Churchills diaries. Great stuff as always and keep on kicking the fuckers."
Oops -I also meant to say what an excellent comment. A pity it couldn't go on the cover of the next yearbook.
Keep it coming Ketlan and Denise. Good to have the links in one place to play catch up as well.
42 members at the start of the year, then all the publicity and promotion, 100 (approx) in May. That seems a reasonable increase.
Although you seem to think that that proves Hawke is a liar, I'd say it is another sign that he is honest and straight-forward. No wonder he has problems with Griffin! Regardless of differences in politics, it seems that you should accept that Hawke and Potter are, at least, honest and trying to do their best for people. Griffin and Harrington are simply after money for themselves, and sod the world.
As a 'Fascist' (I prefer to think of myself as NS) I have no trouble denouncing the scum involved in 'far-right' politics - such as Griffin and Harrington, Tony Le Comber and others - and no problem accepting the basic honesty and integrity of certain far-left loonies (while believing them to be almost completely mistaken); figures such as Tony Benn and Frank Field stand out, while others, such as the Blair's, Gordon Brown and Ken Livingstone come under the same umbrella as Griffin & co - lying, cheating, self-serving scum.
Another excellent article. Well done guys.
@anonymous
"Although you seem to think that that proves Hawke is a liar, I'd say it is another sign that he is honest and straight-forward."
No. Allowing for a little exaggeration (Hawke was responding to a membersjip enquiry) we believe him.
That there are between 7000-8000 BNP members and only around 100 of them had faith enough in Solidarity to join it in the half year or so of its existence speaks volumes.
Maybe the inclusion of Harrington was the equivalent of putting a big red warning notice on the organisation for quite a large body of seasoned BNP types?
"Maybe the inclusion of Harrington was the equivalent of putting a big red warning notice on the organisation for quite a large body of seasoned BNP types?"
The involvement of Harrington is a big red warning notice to anyone at all, never mind seasoned BNP types. The man's an idiot.
Isn't there a Small Campaign Group of the Year Award? If there was, I'd vote for LUAF as one of the most consistent and tenacious groups out there.
"The involvement of Harrington is a big red warning notice to anyone at all, never mind seasoned BNP types. The man's an idiot."
Not just an idiot - a proven liar, grass and a Walter Mitty. Being a snob who hates anyone without money and having a fascination with homosexuals (although, so far as I am aware, not being gay himself) merely gives him something in common with Griffin.
Being a vegetarian and a witch simply adds to his eccentricity.
What he is not is a Leader of Men!
Any unbiased perusal of Solidarity’s constitution will show that the Special Executive Meeting which suspended Patrick Harrington was a legal gathering within the scope of that constitution. Whether Harrington was guilty or not of the charges made against him has no bearing on that inescapable fact.
Are you claiming to be unbiased?
When do you say the charges were put to him? I can find only mention of an investigation. The first mention of charges seems to be in the letter of expulsion! When do you say he was invited to attend a disciplinary hearing? Point me to the document if you can!
Seems like a Witchhunt to me!
Clive Potter has been expelled from the BNP! So much for Solidarity's independence from political parties then.
Being a vegetarian and a witch simply adds to his eccentricity.
A witch? Who in their right mind would want to give him the five-fold kiss? Eew!
Not just an idiot - a proven liar, grass and a Walter Mitty. Being a snob who hates anyone without money and having a fascination with homosexuals (although, so far as I am aware, not being gay himself) merely gives him something in common with Griffin.
Being a vegetarian and a witch simply adds to his eccentricity.
Why is this site pandering to fascist sentiment e.g. anti-Gay, anti-vegetarian etc. Why are we supporting such types against so-called liberals such as Harrington? Surely antifa's have some principals left? It sits uneasily with me.
I agree with t.parker there should be an award but 1st place would be a tie between L.UAF and Remember Stalingrad.
Also to the allegation that this site or any other UAF site is anti gay that is simply not true, what it is anti is individuals and so called parties who cannot even be honest with themselves.
This blog isn't anti-gay - let's scotch that right now. If it was, I could not and would not contribute to it because I happen to be gay myself.
Sometimes it is necessary to publish unsavoury matter to point up a wider context. It certainly shouldn't be taken for "support" of any person or faction on the far-Right.
And sometimes people like to have a little fun. I'm sure we're all adult enough to accept that. I enjoy Mr Fister's near-the-knuckle humour because I know he's not anti-gay, but using humour to highlight the rank hypocrisy of the opposition.
Denise is quite right.
I am not a homophobe. I only expose their hypocrisy (the nazis' that is.)
I'd shag anything.
(Except Sid Williamson.)
What is it about ugly fat incontinent Nutzis you find undesirable, Mr Fister?
Searchlight make the following observation in their August issue:-
"On 1 July Hawke, 24, registered a new Solidarity website and promptly posted a notice dated 1 July accusing Harrington of using the original website to 'claim finances under false pretences'. The notice described Harrington as an expelled Solidarity member'. This was strange because minutes of executive meetings show that Potter and Hawke only expelled him a week later, at their 'disciplinary meeting' on 8 July."
I find it noteworthy that the 'defenders' of the Solidarity constitution announce an expulsion prior to any 'decision' being taken. That's a separate point from the fact that they failed to put charges to the member concerned, failed to organise a hearing at which he could present a defence and whether they were quorate at any 'Executive meeting' where they purport to have made decisions. They will need a good lawyer (and lots of dosh to pay them) if this ever comes to a civil court. On the face of it that seems more likely than any of this reaching a criminal court.
I enjoy Mr Fister's near-the-knuckle humour because I know he's not anti-gay, but using humour to highlight the rank hypocrisy of the opposition.
I want to just say that Pat Harrington has spoken out very clearly on issues of sexuality over many years. You can rightly accuse others in Nationalist or 'far Right' politics of hypocrisy but not him on this issue. He favoured a common age of consent and civil partnerships (not just for Gays) years before it was fashionable. His National Liberal Party/Third Way has openly Gay members. He has very liberal views on most social issues from what I read. On the other hand Clive Potter who you seem to favour is a Christian loon who would probably send Denise for ECT if he could! Strange bedfellows you have!
As for humour I can't see what is funny about Mr Fisters posting. Then again I wasn't keen on Bernard Manning and don't like Roy Chubby Brown either!
Whether Harrington was guilty or not of the charges made against him has no bearing on that inescapable fact.
The strange fact is that there were no actual charges put to Harrington prior to his 'expulsion'! This surely has a bearing on whether his 'expulsion' was legal. If it was not then he is still the GS.
I think that the Police will look at his intent. He can argue that he believes he is the GS and that he believes the EGM is valid. He certainly has an arguable case from what I can see. Therefore I think that is unlikely that the Police will wish to become involved in what is essentially an internal or civil dispute.
As a 'Fascist' (I prefer to think of myself as NS) I have no trouble denouncing the scum involved in 'far-right' politics - such as Griffin and Harrington."
As a Nazi you wouldn't support workers rights or Trade Unions anyway. Our Union doesn't need people like you who hanker after a dead regime that sponsored mass murder and political terror. People like you spit on the graves of our soldiers, airmen and sailors who died fighting for freedom. You should be ashamed.
'As a Nazi you wouldn't support workers rights or Trade Unions anyway. Our Union doesn't need people like you who hanker after a dead regime that sponsored mass murder and political terror. People like you spit on the graves of our soldiers, airmen and sailors who died fighting for freedom. You should be ashamed'.
Yes and go and join with Potter and Hawke (he has apparantly stated in a recent e-mail that he is NS!). The last time the far-left and right co-operated was in the Berlin Tram Strike circa 1932, all fascists (of whatever colour) together. Not so strange bedfellows!
Any unbiased perusal of Solidarity’s constitution will show that the Special Executive Meeting which suspended Patrick Harrington was a legal gathering within the scope of that constitution. Whether Harrington was guilty or not of the charges made against him has no bearing on that inescapable fact.
Consequently, we believe that the actions of Harrington and his supporters since that time have been entirely beyond Solidarity’s constitution, that his and the BNP’s version of the union has no real legal existence, and, therefore, no right to utilise the official union’s financial and other resources, including its membership lists - hence the involvement of the police.
So, you're claiming to be unbiased, then? As it happens, no charges were made against Harrington; Harrington has responded to the queries put to him by the Certification Officer and the so-called special executive meeting was inquorate. No police officers have yet contacted him. Perhaps they have better things to do with their time.
Solidarity have responded to the McLinden 'Special Investigation document posted in the archives of their website here.
Clive Potter and Tim Hawke have also involved the trade union Certification Officer and sought the help of Leicester MP Peter Soulsby.
Clive Potter still wants to be in the BNP. He has appealed against his expulsion. How will Sir Peter explain to the many Muslims in his constituency why he is helping this rabid islamophobe? Peter should show him and his racist friends the door!
I find the involvement of a Labour MP with Fascists worrying. Potter is a 'gnostic Christian' loon who favours a crusade against Muslims. Why on earth would a Labour MP wish to back him in some internal fascist dispute? He should steer well clear as his motives are likely to be misread by Muslims and many anti-racists.
EC members Clive Potter and Tim Hawke have also involved the trade union Certification Officer
It doesn't sound like the CO is too keen to get involved in the internal affairs of Solidarity. The latest Searchlight (August 2007) carries this quote:-
"Parliament has given the Certification Officer a limited role in the internal affairs of trade unions. As voluntary organisations trade unions are left, for the most part, to regulate their own affairs via their rule books and representative bodies."
The allegations of financial impropriety seem (reading the documents in the public domain) to be without foundation. Even if there were an investigation it is likely to clear Harrington and entrench him still further.
If there is a legal question it is probably a matter for the civil court but neither side in the dispute seems keen to go down that expensive road.
Denise G said...
Being a vegetarian and a witch simply adds to his eccentricity.
A witch? Who in their right mind would want to give him the five-fold kiss? Eew!
Given your own preferences obviously not you!
Anonymous said...
Clive Potter has been expelled from the BNP! So much for Solidarity's independence from political parties then.
This lacklustre do-nothing only got his position in the Union because he the BNP saddled us with him. Now they have realised how useless he is he has been going round telling everyone lies about the BNP. Solidarity members were going to get the chance to vote him out which is why he launched his abortive coup. All he has managed is to further disgrace himself and postpone the inevitable. We don't need him, we don't want him. He is out in the cold. We despise him.
If he is now so anti-BNP why does he want to be a member anyway? He has disgraced himself and I think that his chances of being taken seriously in the future are zero.
Harrington, an old friend of BNP leader Nick Griffin, refused to accept his suspension and sought Griffin’s support. This seems to have caught the BNP leadership off-balance, as the “rescue plan” they put into operation was badly thought out - completely disregarding Solidarity’s legally agreed constitution - and enacted with typical BNP heavy-handedness.
Well Harrington is still firmly in control and it's business as usual for Solidarity. Seems to have worked despite "noises off".
The original article was posted on July 7 and nothing much seems to have changed. Not as 'critical' as it first appeared it seems.
Anonymous said...
It's about bloody time the police were involved in this fiasco.
5:08 AM, August 11, 2007
Where are they, then? Perhaps they have better things to do. Whatever happened to Potter's complaint to the Certification Officer? Has he ever received a response? Perhaps we should be told.
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