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London's secret BNP members exposed
Joe Murphy, Political Editor19 Nov 2008
HUNDREDS of Londoners are today exposed as secret members of the British National Party.
They include soldiers, advertising men, retired teachers and even a songwriter. Their BNP membership was revealed when their names, addresses and phone numbers were leaked and posted on the internet.
The leak revealed 10,000 members nationally, including serving police officers and prison staff whose contracts forbid them from belonging to the BNP. There were a large number of servicemen listed - including a member of the Intelligence Corps.
Among the people whose names and private details are disclosed was a Hackney man whose details had a footnote added: "No 'promotional material' requested. Concerned about his job."
Contacted by the Standard, the man was clearly nervous and said he had left the party. "My membership expired and I want nothing to do with the party," he said before hanging up.
Many of those listed have notes attached describing their professional skills that could be useful to the BNP.
A Forest Hill man, described as managing director of a security company was listed as offering "personal protection". Called by the Standard, he said: "I'm a former member, I have not been a member for two years now. I really just joined to see what they were all about." He then put the phone down.
The list reveals that the BNP values members with media skills that could be harnessed for propaganda. A woman in central London is described as skilled in television production and article writing, while in N18 a BNP member is said to be a skilled video editor. A man in Chiswick is noted to own an advertising and marketing company. A member in N2 is listed as a songwriter.
But another member has a note under his name warning he is an undercover journalist for the Guardian.
The list contains people not only in BNP strongholds such as Barking and Dagenham, but also addresses in Chelsea and Westminster.
BNP leader Nick Griffin demanded a police investigation into the leak, which he blamed on "a disgraceful act of treachery" by disaffected ex-party officials. "If we are able to prove it is one of them, they will go to prison, it's as simple as that," he said. Earlier this year, the party said it had obtained an injunction banning any publication of the list.
The internet was today buzzing with panicking BNP members and anti-fascists taunting them. Party spokesman Simon Darby said: "I wouldn't want to have done that - I wouldn't be sleeping very well tonight." Mr Griffin denied Mr Darby was hinting at reprisals, saying it was a threat of prosecution.
Mr Griffin added that the list was a year old. "Having spent a lot of money to secure our members' privacy we are disappointed that it's been breached."
Reader views (61)
Natty, London.
Many people are passionate about their football team, yet would not want their details published on the internet.
FYI it is spelt "Racist" not "Rasist"
Please buy a dictionary (preferably English) and then look up the definitions of "Racist" and "Nationalist", then compare the two. I think you will find a world of difference.
- Jimbob, Kensington, 20/11/2008 21:59
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why should someone lose thier job over political preferences is amazing in "free Britain".It does'nt mean they believe in genacide etc.Racists can vote labour or conservatives, everybody makes racist comments or has thoughts now and again, black,white,asian,whatever your race it's just everybodys frightened of saying it because its taboo.
- Carl, lancs, 20/11/2008 20:24
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this isnt a free country any more big brother is in control!
- Chris Powell, sussex, 20/11/2008 15:47
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Depending on your point of view (of course) it's a poor show all round, if somewhat amusing for the 99.3% of British people who choose not to vote for the BNP. When the French had the chance to vote Front National a few years ago, about 30% of the electorate chose to, which is a pretty significant group of anti-foreigners, n'est-ce pas.
When the British have had the chance to vote for the far right, the BNP cannot even attract 1 solitary per cent of the electrorate. There are two possible explanations: (1) we are not very fascistic as a nation and / or (2) the BNP are a fractured, poorly organised single issue pressure group that is simply unable attract the voters, headbangers aside. Come on, it's not really a party is it? Whatever those grim ruffians try to call it.
- Matt, Bath, Bath, UK, 20/11/2008 14:55
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People are often resentful of others because of their own shortcomings, whether people like it or not and I apreciate we all have prejudices. All western countries are now multicultural; those wishing to have a successful life just need to get on with it and stop worrying about others.
- Julian Lloyd, London, 20/11/2008 14:52
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Surely if you are passionate about a cause it should not matter one iota whether your details have been leaked? At least BNP rasists should have the front to admit as much!
- Natty, London, 20/11/2008 13:58
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This list is not "secret" and these people joined at their own free will. What IS really scary is the witch hunt that is now on for most of these honest hard working British citizens. The BNP are a political party and there should not be any restrictions is showing support for a party that shares your views and opinions, what next thought control? Shame on the media for jumping on this bandwagon.
- Brandon Thomas, London UK, 20/11/2008 13:50
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Michelle; I have seen vile footage of preachers in side of mosques within the UK but I have now seen anything close to that bhy the BNP. This party seems to be victim or rumours and lies and I am starting to see that clearly now.
- Brandon Thomas, London UK, 20/11/2008 13:26
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They will be rounding us up next....just shows what is happening to this Nation.
Roy West BNP Candidate Dukinfield 2008
- Roy Kevin West, Manchester, 20/11/2008 11:43
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And how do you spell "razor", Sj??
- Stu, Beckton, London, 20/11/2008 11:40
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Im suprised that so many people have been sucked in by the BNP, they have a hidden agenda and are trying to present themselves as the party that sticks up for British people to gain popularity. Ive seen undercover footage of their vile racism.If they ever came to power i believe they would show their true colours- i wouldnt be suprised to see forced deportations of ethnic minorities.
- Michelle, London, 20/11/2008 10:57
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I'm a non-white immigratn married to a brit. I don't understand what the fuss is about. If english people have an opinion or even "hate" immigrants, its their birth rights. After all - this is their country.
But if not for all the immigrants, they would have to be content with eating bland english food for the rest of lifes. A message to those BNP's. Please stay at home in your miserable rainy england, don't go abroad cos you hate foreigners, and eat bland food for the rest of your life. No more kebabs, curries, chinese take-aways, italian resto, no-one to pick british fruits or clean your house... I have yet to meet a british born white cleaner. They are completely foreign to me !!!!
- Cc, london, 20/11/2008 09:15
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People are already being sacked for being a member of a lawful political party.
- Jerry 07, Hook Hants, 19/11/2008 16:13
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Well, at least it has got everybody talking.
- Jimbob, Kensington, 19/11/2008 16:09
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Well written Kieth Lonsdale, very succinct and I wholly support your points.
- Dennis, Taplow U.K., 19/11/2008 16:01
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The BNP is a legitimate, legal political party. Membership is not a crime. Why are these people being vilified?
- Chris, London, UK, 19/11/2008 15:50
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I will desist from making the obvious quip about Thought Police!
- Jimmy, Fulham, Middx, 19/11/2008 15:49
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I'm not a supporter of the BNP (or any other party come to that) but I don't hold with banning anyone from joining them or any other party. Once you start down that route, such groups start operating by more clandestine means. Far better to let them operate out in the open so that everyone - fair minded or otherwise - can make their own minds up about them.
- Jimmy, Fulham, Middx, 19/11/2008 15:38
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I'm hugely relieved that the comments here from pro-BNP supporters are so mis-spelled and illiterate; it means that we don't have to worry that their raser sharp brains will dominate politics any day soon.
When Nick Griffin devised this rather crude inside-job of a PR stunt by publicising a list of names of people in 'respectable' professions in order to promote a safer image for his party, he failed to take into account that his real rank and file are not very impressive.
- Sj, london, 19/11/2008 15:22
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So much for freedom of choice. Since when is it a crime to show your support for a cause which you believe in? I am personally not a member but am of English Heritage, and have a multi racial family of my own.
I have seen the website and too be honest I do think their values and hopes for our country are commendable. I think we should put our country and peoples needs first. It doesnt seem racist to me to want to tackle head on all the problems our country has accummulated on the last twenty years.
I cannot understand how being patriotic about your country can be so bad. Britains biggest problem is that we bend over backwards to please others before we help ourselves. The outlining information on the BNP website knocks every problem we have on the head as a country and vows to support and help british people. That is british whether you are white, black, pink, brown, green or blue etc. Why is this so bad?
- Sacha, London, 19/11/2008 14:49
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It's intresting to see the BNP using the "Human Rights Law" to protect their members and their details - had a good laugh about it when I heard.
It is kind of funny though isn't it?
- David, London, 19/11/2008 14:40
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Not entirely sure how showing that members come from a range of backgrounds negates the argument that they are racist oiks. I've met some pretty nasty teachers, ballerinas, scientists, police, vicars, etc.
Ignorance is not prejudice - anyone can be affected.
- Liberal And Proud, London UK, 19/11/2008 14:38
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So a Police Officer can presumably be a member of the extreme left Communist Party but not the BNP at the other democratic and perfectly legal end of the spectrum. This is a very dangerous slippery slope we are starting down, the left outlawing employees membership of the right is not what democracy is supposed to be about.
As long as the two main parties ignore the concerns many of us have about immigration etc the BNP will gather members - it is now known with people from all walks of life. Whoever leaked this has actually done Nick Griffin a favour, the knuckle dragging image has been extinguished in a massive backfire.
- Mark, Bournemouth England, 19/11/2008 14:37
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These people have committed no crime and are perfectly entitled to support any non proscribed party in the UK. Whatever their politics I wouldn't expect the three main parties would like the names and addresses of their members published in this manner. Added to the fact it is illegal to publish personal details without permission, I hope the person responsible will face the full implications of the law. This is supposed to be a democracy, isn't it?
- Grant, Canterbury Kent, 19/11/2008 14:34
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The real problem for the Government, judging by the membership distribution of the BNP having just looked at an apparenent map of this information, is that the majority of the BNP's membership is located in Labour territory. So much for the left wing Communist fanatics who appear to think they are saints when in fact the public treats both groups with equal disdain.
- Joe, London, UK, 19/11/2008 14:24
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I actually hate most people,black or white,I'm not fussed,sounds bizarre I know but everyone's entitled to their opinion.
- Steve, London, 19/11/2008 14:16
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Remember it's a free country as long as you think what they want you to.
- P I Staker, London, 19/11/2008 13:56
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Ali Sichilongo. Please review the BNP manifesto and highlight the policies that are overtly racist. I have read it several times and appear to have missed them.
As for Trevor Phillips, this man has done more damage to race relations in Britain than Griffin & Co. ever have, by his fanatical obsession with forever highlighting cultural difference rather than common ground, and his ridiculous claim that, whenever a black person fails to achieve his desired objective, it is the result of racism.
His recent claims about Britain’s political demographics exposed his abject failure to grasp the concept of democracy, and his claim that racism has prevented the emergence of a black Prime Minister was absurd.
Returning to the BNP list; there are around 140000 police officers in the UK of which a handful are BNP members, that does not constitute institutional racism (there may be racists in the BNP, but I challenge you to show that the BNP as an organisation is racist). There are many hundreds of police officers that belong to the National Black Police Association, an organisation that excludes white officers and exists only to further the interests of ethnic minorities, by any definition the NBPA is both political and racist, yet I doubt that you or your left liberal-hypocrite associates would question its legitimacy.
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster, 19/11/2008 13:42
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Democracy is about toleration of all views, where the majority view prevails; in a democracy it should be possible to express any view, without fear of persecution. Sadly those in power don't realise that by conducting witch hunts against any group in society, they are in fact undermining democracy itself. If you oppose you argue against, you don't demonise & you certainly don't exclude!
- Keith Simpson, Wareham, Dorset, 19/11/2008 13:38
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While I hold no truck for the BNP I find it strange that police officers cannot be a member of this obnoxious legal political party but can be a serving officer with a criminal record !!!!
- Alan Baker, essex .uk, 19/11/2008 13:35
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The witch-hunt is on!
We should go after the communists next!
- Bill (Wales), Powys, 19/11/2008 13:34
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It is a shame that people think the solution to all of society's ills boil down to the simple fact of race/colour/religion. There are good and bad in all races and classes and religions - the sooner we realise this the better.
If we want the future to be different, each and every one of us needs to work on ourselves and our children especially so that we can all be better members of society. People have the right to believe and join whoever they wish, but any intelligent person knows that you should judge every individual as exactly that, an individual. No one person can represent a race/religion.
All the different political parties need to work together to help this country become the best it can be.
- Sandra Charles, London, 19/11/2008 13:23
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For the benefit of the ignorant "Triffidqueen" in London, the Scottish National Party is an inclusive political party which seeks a Scotland independent of the United Kingdom. It is NOT as he / she suggests in ANY way a racist, bigoted or xenophobic organisation which are the hallmarks of the disgusting BNP.
- Robert Christie, Burntisland, Scotland, 19/11/2008 13:21
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Why should anybody be ashamed or be treated like criminals for being a member of the BNP. It's not as bad as being a member of the BPA.
- Frederick, London, UK, 19/11/2008 13:20
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This sounds like a great conspiracy theory discussion/rumour. Imagine MI5 infiltrate radical UK party and expose its membership to undermine the rise in the far right we have seen in the last few local elections. It does make you think then again maybe I have watched too much TV on BBC.
- Andre, London, 19/11/2008 13:19
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BNP are NOTHING like the SNP. In the SNP they welcome anyone, even white English people… wooohh, who wish to support Scotland. Their is no agenda for shipping people out of Scotland, the complete opposite is true, they would welcome anyone of any creed, colour or religious persuasion who looks to enhance Scotland. I haven’t even voted for the SNP but the previous cretin needs to get his facts right.
- Alan, Ex Scotland, Now Suffolk, 19/11/2008 13:19
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The majority of this list is made up of descent people making an honest living, so is the BNP really racist or are they sticking up for the rights of British citizens and their cultural heritage they represent, something the other two parties have failed to do? It seems these other parties bend over backwards for minorities while ignoring the views and beliefs of the majority. It is not illegal to be a member of this party and by exposing this list will only backfire on the liberals / ultra left fanatics that exposed it, as more and more people are backing this party and it seems to be growing at great speed.
- Brandon Thomas, London UK, 19/11/2008 13:18
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While I strongly dislike the BNP, they are a legal party. Many people may passionately argure that the party, it's activists and it's members could be associated with racism and bigotry.
However, members of another party, which is also just as legal, could be associated with an illegal war and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent people.
Perspective people.
- John, Llandudno, Wales, 19/11/2008 13:16
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As an ex-Police Officer of some 30-years I have always found the BNP, and its predecessor the National Front, to be odious organisations who base their nasty and vicious racial policies on scaremongering, rabble-rousing, misinformation and downright lies. Any Police Officers who were members during my service kept very quiet about it as I did not know of any. I am not a Marxist or Socialist, but someone who believes that any person, regardless of their ethnic origin or their skin colour, is entitled to be treated with respect and courtesy. Incidentally, at an election, although Police Officers can, like anyone else, vote for whichever candidate they wish, they cannot under Police Regulations be a member of ANY political party (not just the BNP, but also respectable political parties). In my opinion the thought that some may be members of the odious BNP is both worrying and frightening.
- Neil, Gloucestershire, England., 19/11/2008 13:14
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I as a member of the BNP am not ashamed and deffinatly do not have a problem with my name being in any political spotlight i have my political views and am MEMBER of britiain i am born and bread british and believe in taking care of everything british from history to present we are here as british people to protect our green and pleasent land from becoming dragged down into the gutter by mass asylum we are here to look after OUR country and OUR heritage and it is beyond me what problems people have with this ?
i am not a racist i am an honest hard working citizen like many other members we its a discrace how people rebell against us for being british .
- Proud, england, 19/11/2008 13:14
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Banning policemen from being a member of a legal political party?? This is simply disgusting and sounds just like the sort of totalitarian tactics used by the Mugabe regime!
- David, Leeds, 19/11/2008 13:12
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Take a look at the BNP manifesto, nothing outrageously racist, just sensible policies putting Britain first.
Is it any wonder with London looking like a third world theme park that a large majority of Londoners are now voting BNP?
- Kyle, London, 19/11/2008 13:09
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Friends have told me about the list and the sock of some people on it, its so SICK and socking know of it. How can i get to see the list?
- Simon, Leeds, 19/11/2008 13:09
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I am just waiting for a list of the members of the Black police officers association. Also all those members of the take-our-grants-but-hate-us Islamist immigrant organisations.
- Fred, Horsham, 19/11/2008 12:59
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I have always suspected that there are some warped minded teachers,policemen,nurses and even clergymen that subscribe to these views. With a number of lists floating around in the public domain we would be better served if they no longer provide public services to the public. These are people who are paid to keep us safe and guide our children to a better future both educationally and morally(teachers,policemen and vicars).
How can they serve us fairly if their views are so compromised?
How can parents enrol their children into a political group that poisons their young minds?
This is the same as grooming political and religious extremists! They all advocate hatred.
- Parent, NW London, 19/11/2008 12:57
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The BNP's own slogan goes "People like you voting BNP" This will only add to their credibility.
- Sam James, Nottingham UK, 19/11/2008 12:56
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I trust that Shami Chakrabati and her Liberty lot are busy defending the rights of the members to actually BE members. Or doesn't it work both ways?
- Watcher, Wandsworth, 19/11/2008 12:45
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Is this a stunt by the BNP? Nick is obviously quite keen to show his supporters include all kind of people and get away from that skinhead stereotype!
This is a very serious issue and I am no fan of the BNP. However, I couldn't help but think... had this been a list of Labour voters, it would have been comical to see the 'jokers' who are still on that list 
- Sanjay, Hounslow, UK, 19/11/2008 12:43
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great lets start with engageing racists face to face in debate and open discussion in the democratic arena instead of hideing in the shadows like evil hate mongers, if they believe what they think is right then they must proove it to their peirs and equals. let them face up to the truth of the ideas they hold.
- Frank, london, 19/11/2008 12:41
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I am an ethnic minority and have no problem with people being a member of a fascist party. I plan to leave the country soon and if they kick me out of the country so be it because it will be a win-win situation.
- Shahbaz, London, 19/11/2008 12:31
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Stick with the three parties who carve up the country between them.
You have been warned.
- Mike Newland, London, 19/11/2008 12:24
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Everybody goes on about Human Rights!!!!!! What about the BNP members human rights!!!!! this political party is no different to the SNP......
- Jonny, London, 19/11/2008 12:21
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So what? who cares who's on the list as it's "supposed" to be a free country mmmmmmmmmmmmm.....am not surprised police, army etc are on this list, been saying this for the past few years that people would turn to the BNP with the state this country is in....now who's going to grab the bull by the horns and turn things round I wonder!!!!! limit immigration,asylum seekers,send people back to their own country before or after they've committed a crime and stop using the human rights act and compensating idiots for nothing. Guess that leaves no one brave enough eh
- Sarah, London, 19/11/2008 12:09
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This must be Peter Mandelson's 'post Democratic era we are living in.
You don't have to be a BNP supporter to feel very uncomfortable about the way that these BNP members are being hounded. Is'nt it a legal party and are people not free to think for themselves ? It seems not.
Thought police win again............
- C Merit, Plymouth England, 19/11/2008 11:53
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Since when is it a crime to be a member of a political party? I'ld be more embarresed if I was exposed as a member of the Liberal Democrats! Regardless if anyone is a member or not the BNP is a recognised party and it is not illegal to belong to it. The BNP are no different to the SNP. Personally I wouldn't vote for the BNP, but I accept that they have the democratic right to be a party.
- Triffidqueen, Desk in London, 19/11/2008 11:40
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Yeah,...yeah...Nick Griffin - you hate mongering loser!...As to the fact that there are police officers on this leaked list...am I surprised????....NO...and all the idiots that criticise Trevor Phillips and his kind that have stated again and again that there's inherent and institutionalised racism within the British Police force need look no further than the BNP list for proof!...I'm sure many of Mr Phillips' critics are fully paid up members of this disgusting party as well!
- Ali Sichilongo, London, 19/11/2008 11:30
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Now we know who the right-wing fanatics are we need also to be made aware of the left-wing communist fanatics for neither group is any better than the other.
- Joe, London, UK, 19/11/2008 11:23
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You have to ask why do a small minority see the BNP as a solution to the problems we face?
Immigration, crime, Islamification, anti-social behaviour, lack of morality, poor quality education and health services, European integration, Transport.
These are all issues that concern most of us but which our politicians have failed to deal with or improve. So the natural reaction is to choose a party who say they can and will resolve them.
Cameron is Blair with a blue tie. Clegg doesn't stand a chance, which is a shame in some way because Vince Cable is probably the sharpest money brain in Parliament.
- Adam, Harrow, UK, 19/11/2008 11:19
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This list challenges the stereotype that the BNP are a party of knuckle dragging skinheads. It reveals that the BNP attracts members from a diverse and rich tapestry of backgrounds such as librarians, nurses, ballerinas, vicars, company directors, linguists, scientists and teachers. We will now all have to re-think our old fashioned and out-dated predjudices about BNP. But one thing that this does show; is that the BNP's opponents are a bunch of vile bullies with no respect for the law or safety of children.
- Herbal Remedy, London UK, 19/11/2008 11:04
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I am surprised its not more people on the list given Labours approach to immigration.
- Fly, london, 19/11/2008 10:39
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So much for living in a free country, eh?
- Sarah Bradshaw, Enfield, Middx, 19/11/2008 10:01
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