BNP forced to end policy for ‘whites only’ membership

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In a court order issued today, the party agreed to amend its constitution to ensure that its membership rules no longer discriminate on grounds of race, religion or any other "protected characteristic" specified under equality legislation.

The commitment means the party, which previously allowed only "indigenous Caucasians" and those from connected ethnic groups to become members, will now be required to admit any person who wishes to join its ranks. The policy change was announced today at the Central London county court after the BNP decided to admit defeat in a legal battle with the Equality and Human Rights Commission over its membership rules.

The fight began earlier this year when the commission issued proceedings against the party, accusing it of breaching the Race Relations Act. Today Robin Allen QC, counsel for the commission, said party leader Nick Griffin had agreed to present his members with a revised constitution at its general meeting next month.

He added that the party had agreed not to accept any further members until the updated constitution was in place and that the new rules must be in place within three months at the latest.

John Wadham, of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: "Political parties, like any other organisation, are obliged to respect the law and not discriminate.

"It is unfortunate the BNP spent several months before conceding and dealing properly with our legal requirements. We will be monitoring the BNP's compliance with this court order."

He added: "All political parties must obey the law, our job is to ensure that everyone obeys the law. Whether people want to join the BNP or not is a matter for them, it's their freedom to do so."

He said if the party's membership rejected a reformed constitution the commission would return to court.

Richard Barnbrook, the BNP's representative on the London Assembly, said he believed party members would vote for a reformed constitution.

Mr Griffin has 10 days to submit a signed undertaking to the court confirming the proposed changes.