Can We Have Your Service Record Please, Mr Cohen?

Nick Cohen, writing in 'The Observer' on Sunday, referred to the British National Party as "a neo-nazi party full of Hitler worshippers and thugs". His remarks have drawn a curt response from six of Burnley's BNP candidates, and in an open letter to the paper they wrote,

"Dear Mr Cohen,

We have served Great Britain in Her Majesty's Services, and three of us saw action in the Falklands War.

Our record of service to our country is a testament to our loyalty to Britain and our desire to see her honour and traditions maintained.

For you to refer to us as "Hitler worshippers and thugs", and our party as "neo-nazi" goes to show just how ill-informed you are.

Last month your paper told its readers that the British National Party didn't allow women candidates. Here in Burnley we have three lady candidates standing for the BNP, which is a clear indication of how out of touch you actually are.

Just like the Labour Party leafletters who are being bussed to Burnley from London each weekend to put out anti-BNP leaflets, you know very little about Burnley, the BNP or the candidates representing it in our town.

What is your service record for Britain, Mr Cohen?

Yours sincerely,

James Cowell (ex-RAF)

Andy Kenyon (ex-Parachute Regiment & Falklands Veteran)

John Kenyon (ex-Parachute Regiment & Falklands Veteran)

Terry Grogan (ex-Parachute Regiment & Falklands Veteran)

Len Starr (ex-Royal Engineers)

David Haworth (ex-Royal Engineers)"