Union action group plans to halt the far right in Crewe (From Warrington Guardian)

Union action group plans to halt the far right in Crewe

A TRADE union has set up a protest group in Crewe to stop the far-right British National Party from winning seats in this year's elections.

Crewe and District TUC has formed the action group in response to an announcement by the BNP to contest the North West region in June's European elections.

The party confirmed last summer it would be canvassing residents in Crewe and Nantwich and with the realisation it only needs approximately eight per cent to win a seat, fears have grown in the borough.

Secretary of the Crewe and District TUC, Nina Hammill, said: "We need to start educating people and let the BNP know that we are not going to tolerate ideas they promote.

"Our campaign has started as of now, we have had our application for a TUC development grant of £250 approved and we are waiting for that to come through.

"We want everyone to know they are welcome in Crewe regardless of their race, gender or status in society.

"No-one should have to tolerate racism or discrimination and we will be making sure people are aware of that by leaflet dropping, door-knocking and holding public meetings, especially if they do send candidates around here.

"We are also working with other anti-racism groups and we have received advice and help from NorthScarf in Staffordshire.

"If you look at the poor turn out in the recent local elections it is worrying because these are the areas they target."

Chairman of the BNP, Nick Griffin, is expected to stand in the borough and said: "In some areas where we are popular we already receive up to 26 per cent. However with the way the system works we need to accommodate all areas.

"This means that untapped sources like South Cheshire become vitally important - it is here where we make up the votes."