BNP 'would abandon 30,000 Gibraltarians'

Just months after lobbying for local votes for European elections British National Party Leader Nick Griffin has sparked furious criticism after he reportedly told a rally of Spanish fascists that the BNP would hand Gibraltar to Spain against the wishes of nearly all its 30,000 inhabitants.

“Griffin hoped to make a quiet sop to Spanish extremists, but was exposed by anti-BNP campaigners,” says Graham Watson who represents Gibraltar in the European Parliament. He was angered by Mr Griffin’s comments.

“Taking into account the geographical situation of Gibraltar and the Muslim threat on its door, I would prefer to see a Spanish flag fly in Gibraltar before an Islamic one,” Mr Griffin is quoted as saying. He added: “It would be much easier to sort it out if we had nationalist governments in Britain and Spain because it would then be an agreement between equals”

Meanwhile Mr Watson responded.

“Griffin’s words show the complete lack of respect that the BNP hold towards freedom and democracy. Far from defending the British people, he has shown that his party would betray the trust of thousands in order to please his fascist friends,” said Mr Watson.

“As long as the people of Gibraltar wish to remain British citizens, they should be guaranteed protection by the British government. The BNP may wish abandon British subjects, but I will never support it.”

Gibralter Chronicle

BNP: Give Gibraltar back

Wave goodbye to Gibraltar if Nick Griffin gets his way

The BNP would hand the key outpost of Gibraltar to Spain in an astonishing betrayal of its 30,000 British citizens. The move would also deprive the UK of a naval base - defended bitterly for more than 300 years - of huge strategic importance.

Party leader Nick Griffin, elected as an MEP in June, made the offer at a fascist rally in Madrid last week to suck up to European extremists. His bizarre reasoning is that it would help the Spanish combat radicals in nearby northern Africa.

Deceitful Griffin told fellow fanatics: "Taking into account the geographical situation of Gibraltar and the Muslim threat on its door, I would prefer to see a Spanish flag fly in Gibraltar before an Islamic one." He added: "It would be much easier to sort it out if we had nationalist governments in Britain and Spain because it would then be an agreement between equals."

The gaffe was exposed by James Bethell, founder of anti-BNP pressure group Nothing British. Mr Bethell - favourite to be selected by the Tories to fight for the seat of Gosport, Hants - said: "Nick Griffin talks about protecting our national interest but he would surrender our sovereignty to Spanish fascists in a heartbeat. The only flag that should be flying over the Rock is the Union Jack."

A recent referendum on the island, off the southern tip of Spain, saw 99.64 per cent vote to remain British.

The Sun