British National Party (BNP) membership list leak, personal privacy...

Kia | 19.11.2008 13:39 | Anti-racism | Other Press

First a little background for those not in the UK. The British National Party (BNP) is a fringe political party in the UK with a view to the extreme far right. According to their own constitution the BNP is "committed to stemming and reversing the tide of non-white immigration and to restoring, by legal changes, negotiation and consent the overwhelmingly white makeup of the British population that existed in Britain prior to 1948." - they are generally regarded as a racist bunch of thugs - mainly due to documentaries which have exposed many of their members as thugs who are racist.

http://www.kiasworld.co.uk ). The entire list of members of the BNP 2007/2008 has been leaked online - including names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and even bizarre notes relating to members hobbies, jobs etc. - and I have found that this has raised some very difficult questions for me. On the one hand this is a gross invasion of personal privacy - and people on this list could suffer vigilante attack etc. due to the data being made public. On the other hand, much of this information is in the public interest to be released - many of the members have been found to be police, teachers, doctors, and people working in social services and other 'caring' professions.

In many of these cases (such as police and prison workers) it is illegal for them to be members of the BNP - as this association contradicts their job commitments to equal rights regardless of race etc. Also, many parents and family members would have good grounds to be unhappy if their child was being taught by a racist - or family member cared for by a racist - especially if they were not white.

Again, on the other hand, can you be sure that all members of the BNP are racist? This is a situation which I am currently incapable of reaching a conclusion.

Now, the final issue this story has raised is blame. Who is ultimately responsible for this data breech? It is still unclear as to who has released the data online - some say it was stolen and released by anti-fascists - others that it was a disgruntled ex-member. If it is the first case - questions need to be asked such as how was the data stolen without anybody knowing? If it is the latter, why did an ex-member with an obvious grudge have access to this data?

Currently the BNP are taking no responsibility - but ultimately the book stops with them.

Simon Darby, the BNP's spokesman had the following to say:

"If we find out the name of the person who published this list it will turn out to be one of the most foolish things they have done in their life."

"I wouldn’t want to have done that – I wouldn’t be sleeping very well tonight. We are worried because children’s names are on the list."

"No true nationalist would have put the lives and livelihoods of fellow nationalists at risk."

So, take that as you will.

Original Article:

http://blog.kiasworld.co.uk/1_kiasworld_blog/archive/65_british_national_party_bnp_membership_list_leak_personal_privacy_and_many_questions.html

Kia

Comments

Hide the following 33 comments

Are the BNP Racist?

19.11.2008 14:06

Yes they are, if they've signed and agreed the application form.

http://www.hurryupharry.org/2008/11/19/are-all-bnp-members-racists/

Dealer
mail e-mail: hooblidoobli@gmail.com

@Dealer

19.11.2008 14:19

Fair enough - you do make a valid point - and at no point am I in anyway supporting or excusing the bnp - yet I am still torn, some on the list (such as the children) will not deserve the retaliation which is likely to occur.

It is hard for me to justify, coming from the privacy background that I do - where do you draw the line in the sand as to who is entitled to privacy and who is not?

Kia

Diversity of Tactics

19.11.2008 14:40

The BNP are a racist organisation but they are now not a purely fascist group. Their leaders are all fascists; (National Socilaists etc); eg Nick Griffin was in the National Front and is a holocaust denier. Some of their members have been tricked into supporting a racist party but are not fascists.

@nti fascist
Homepage: http://www.antifa.org.uk

Bigger issues

19.11.2008 15:05

Appalling though the BNP maybe the publication of this list will probably turn out to be a mistake. In my office today there seemed to be two lines of thought.

I didn't realize they had that many members

and

That's not fair, what about the kids on the list.

I fear this will probably backfire

Claire

backfire?

19.11.2008 15:28

A good article and good points. It is interesting to take this further and consider that if there was somekind of retaliation, who would do it, and to whom?

Who: The extremists could be potential candidates (perhaps those people who called for another 7/7 - 9/11 outside the Danish embassy)
Whom: History says that the victims are most often the weakest and most vulnerable targets (on the list: children, retirees etc)

So, yes, this could backfire spectularly and result in another bout of extremist violence and the resultant ethnic hatred to follow. Which is why i'm appalled that people revel in posting the details online. A pot talking to a kettle springs to mind.

Ian

Racist? How can there be any doubt!

19.11.2008 15:31

"Again, on the other hand, can you be sure that all members of the BNP are racist? This is a situation which I am currently incapable of reaching a conclusion. "

Yes they are. Why that is a difficult decision to make I'm unsure.

As for the kids of these scum, I think it's unlikely that they'll either get a beating or be sacked.

Indymedia is anti-Israel which is real fascism!

19.11.2008 15:58

Indymedia is the real fascist movement because it hates the democratic Jewish state of Israel and supports Palestinian fascists who want to destroy it.

http://www.betar.co.uk

Pro Israel

Norville B

19.11.2008 16:10

I admit to having a tiny bit of sympathy for those who've suddenly found their home details splashed across the web.

But given BNP members' predeliction for posting their opponents' home addresses and contact details online (through such sites as Redwatch), the first response still has to be "Ha ha ha ha ha".

Particularly love their complaints that it breaches the human rights act. Oh, yes, that would be the human rights act which the BNP said it wants to abolish

(Earlier this month, this appeared on the BNP site: "the Human Rights Act has never had much to do with the protection of genuine rights and freedoms. At best, the Human Rights Act has been ineffective; at worst it has created a toxic culture of faux rights and impunity for the guilty and undeserving. It has also done much to undermine the foundations of the English legal system.")

Doh!

Norville B

'Pro Israel'

19.11.2008 16:20

Yeah, yeah. Jog on idiot.

Thumper

Diverse membership

19.11.2008 16:27

I took the time to read the list last night and I was surprised, upset and a little frightened to see the diversity of support the BNP has. My gut reaction before this would have been they receive most of their support form lower working class white males but the list seems to make that untrue. If well educated middle class individuals are supporting them not just at the ballot box but via membership dues and contributions then our message is not getting out

Tony

WTF?

19.11.2008 16:40

^ are you on about? Fascism has always been and always will be suppportative of the middle classes/capitalists. Fascism began in Italy with gangs of thugs paid for by the big companies like Fiat to crush worker's movements/trade unions for crying out loud. Far right politics and nationalism only ever supports the hiearchy by attempting to divide us along the lines of race, culture, nationality and bollocks like that to weaken our resistance as a class. Yeah there are white working class members, those stupid, naieve or gullible enough to believe that other workers with darker skins take more resources than the rich horde to themselves, but the truth is that far right politics only ever really supports those in power, the middle classes, the govt.s, the capitalists. When we as a class relaise that instead of fighting each other for the scraps from their tables we can unite and take the whole fucking banquet and distribute it fairly amongst ourselves the better off we'll be. So its no suprisethat the BNP membership is made up of middle class professionals, its the [arty that protects their interests.
To be honest I think you're thoughts to the opposite are fucking insulting! You sound like some sort of liberal twat who thinks that all members ofthe working class are thick racists.

Really?

They publish ours, why not theirs?

19.11.2008 16:45

When you join a party you should either agree or hold them to account!

I take it they agree with BNP policy...

http://thepiratebay.org/search/bnp%20list/0/99/0

They publish ours, why not theirs?
Homepage: http://thepiratebay.org/search/bnp%20list/0/99/0

Tony - interesting comment re support

19.11.2008 16:46

Tony,

Interesting, I hadn't thought about it in those terms. My experience of the BNP, BPP, C18 and the rest of them has indeed been the shaven headed thug with little language ability beyond "Ingerland, Ingerland" however if as you say they are drawing support from the better educated and more informed we need to deal with this.

First is education - we need to work with schools and universities to help them spread our message.

Second - naming and shaming. If people do join the BNP then let's make sure their work mates, neighbors and employers know

Thirdly - Companies and organizations. If they employee people who join or support the BNP then let's make the life of those companies hell, tactics the AR movement has used to good effect.

In effect let's drive the BNP from every part of Britain !

Fash fighter

Simple question, simple answer

19.11.2008 17:34

> Yes they are, if they've signed and agreed the application form.

And that's all the answer you need right there.

Use the information on the list to make life as uncomfortable as possible for anyone on it that you know. Make sure they understand the implications of actively supporting a hate-filled, fascist, racist organisation such as the BNP.

People holding these beliefs have no place in policing, the education system, social work or any other responsible job - let make sure we get as many of them removed from their posts as possible.

Concerned of Halton Moor

There's views and then there's joining..

19.11.2008 17:37

Back in the Thatcher years, when I didn't know any better, I voted Labour. I held some Labour views but even as a raw youngster, never felt like joining the party. These people have taken that extra step to sign up to all their principles, perhaps donating funds etc. They aren't just people with the odd view in common with ethe BNP, they are the full scum works.

This CD kills fascists

19.11.2008 17:38

The membership is seemingly grossly inflated with people who have withdrawn and people who were never members. I'm not that surprised by the listed occupations, except perhaps the lecturer on human rights. Claiming to be a website designer or a computer manufacturer is hardly an indicator of class diversity and anyway lot's of aristocracy were fascist in the 30's and since. My closest fascist turns out to be a delivery boy for Thornton chocolates, my mother could beat him up.

I think the leak should be leveraged. That is a lot of addresses that may have unsecured WIFI. That is a lot of wheelie bins to search. That is a lot of neighbours to talk to.
Naming and shaming isn't any use against anyone who is openly and publically BNP. I've been checking a few of the names and so far many of them are happy to be known as BNP. So there is no moral quandry in making their public opinions more widely known. In my opinion any openly BNP activist deserves a CD for Christmas of good music to try and educate them through culture. I think the first track they should listen to is 'Vengeance" by New Model Army. Any other song suggestions would be welcome.

Top-dog fascist gets the boys in the corner
Plants poison where there was just confusion
Walks away scot-free and laughing
Rides on the tide as the cancer grows
-
I believe in justice
I believe in vengeance
I believe in getting the bastard

ProudOfWhat

Very ambivalent

19.11.2008 17:57

It is after all a properly constituted political party even if its program despicable.

Perhaps the best way to analyze questons of right and wrong in a case like this is to consider were it turned around. I'm here in the US but old enough to have my life somewhat affected* by what went on in the 50's

So exactly how is this different from somebody publishing the full membership list of the CP? (here in the US; you might be more tolerant in Britain). See whay this makes me very ambivalent about whether this was a right thing or a wrong thing to have done? The answer cannot depend upon whether I approve or disapprove of the politics. Or can it? (and if it does, what does that say about one's ethical system)

* Not old enough to remember presonally, but old enough to be discouraged from dating certain girls because of political connections of their parents (though how my parents were in a position to have known which were "red diaper" babies was never spoken of).

MDN

Responses

19.11.2008 18:13

I have heard of several instances of friends-of-friends who have voted BNP, having been taken in by the "Britons first" rhetoric. And to be fair to them, since the British incumbent has been parroting exactly that line from time to time, then it's fair to say that the blame needs to be shared around. Unfortunately since the government have effectively hinted that "a Britons first policy is not racist" then the idea that BNP *voters* are all (equally) racist becomes more complex.

Going further, I'd say it would be harder for someone to be a *member* of the BNP and not be racist, but it is conceivable (I met a member of a socialist group who espoused religiously-inspired homophobic views - not exactly party policy).

This is not to say there aren't bone-headed racists about in the BNP - of course there are. There is a documented and proven core of nasty, deliberate, pro-white discrimination and views of that kind need to be exposed for the ugly fascism they represent.

But I do think the poster has a valid point, and I too am not sure where I stand on it. It is likely to be as intractable as the "using violence against fascism" conundrum, to be honest - and people on the broad left have had to agree to disagree on that for years. Of course the BNP use violence, they leak personal details at the miserable Redwatch site - and some party members would love nothing more than to club an Indymedia reader over the head with an iron bar. Do we fight fire with fire or do we let the far right discredit itself with the kind of tactics it chooses?

@Pro Israel - you're not even in the right thread. And surely I could counter your comment with:

> Hardline pro-Israel supporters are the real fascist movement because they hate
> the democratically elected government of Hamas and support Israeli fascists who
> want to destroy the Palestine people.

But it doesn't get us anywhere, does it? Moreover, you have fundamentally misrepresented the position of plenty of readers here - I for one fully agree with Israel's right to exist, but I criticise Israel for being an American client state, for its overt militarisation and cruelty, for consistently ignoring UN resolutions on the matter, for the collective punishments meeted out to the Palestinian people, for the economic and military siege that worsens the occupation, and for not bringing to justice the settlers and IDF soldiers who attack or kill Palestinian civilians. I have criticism for the Arabs too, but the ball as far as I am concerned is in the US-Israeli court. Some justice for the Palestinians (see above) would go a long way to resolving the current tensions - I hope at least you could agree with that.

Jon

Beating up the weak lol

19.11.2008 18:49

Why would millitant anti fascists beat up children, elderly and the ill there are many things that can be done now we have this so you wimpy trots stop spreading shit. and we need to stop fascism dead in its tracks asap

Check out the song on the homepage link

(A)nne the Anti-Fascist
Homepage: http://ufa.antifa.net/media/Los_Fastidios_Antifa_hooligans.mp3

aktion

19.11.2008 20:02

upssssssssssss...bnp activists adress ...yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa......well gonna be lods of surprise soon ......... organize and mobilize............the time as come ...........anti fascist action ..........DIRECT ACTION

anti fascist

i wunder[kind]

20.11.2008 02:16

if this entire psyop was sponsored by IBM...

gladio

Racists everywhere

20.11.2008 02:28

>Also, many parents and family members would have good grounds to be unhappy if their child was being taught by a racist - or family member cared for by a racist - especially if they were not white.

You mean, "if they found out that their child was being taught by a card-carrying white supremacist". Racists are everywhere, your child probably *is* being taught by one. No one should be shocked that these members are teachers, policemen etc - what exactly did you think they were doing for a living?

Steve B

The Pride of The Prejudiced

20.11.2008 10:16

"I took the time to read the list last night and I was surprised, upset and a little frightened to see the diversity of support the BNP has. My gut reaction before this would have been they receive most of their support form lower working class white males but the list seems to make that untrue. If well educated middle class individuals are supporting them not just at the ballot box but via membership dues and contributions then our message is not getting out "

Assuming for a minute that you're not a BNP troll Tony, perhaps with that sort of class analysis you should consider joining them. "Diversity of support"? I think you'll find one distinguishing feature - Colour.

Lumpen Scum

Life Is Never Balanced

20.11.2008 11:08

I agree that this is a most awkward situation for those of us who believe in a right to personal privacy.

Unfortunately the universe does not follow human convention or even our most utopian desires.

If one wishes to live on the edge of what is socially acceptable, one must be prepared to fall. No matter what side of the moral divide you happen to be on.

bnpmemberlist.zip (4 mirror links)
543 KB (556319 bytes)

http://sharebee.com/2059beb8

Alan Titchmarsh (not related)

christmas cd

20.11.2008 11:40

best christmas cd for the bnp members ALERTA ANTI FASCISTA band- sin dios

jack the ripper

No discrimination on political grounds

20.11.2008 13:21

I don't accept that people should be banned from particular professions simply on account of their poltical views or affiliations. I would like to see people judged on conduct not prejudice or supposition. I am sure that there are many racists in the Police and Prison Service who have never been members of the BNP. Some of them may even be in the Labour Party. They can only be judged on behaviour so why not also members of the BNP. Do we want to pay them all dole money or are we going to list professions they can work in like roadsweeping? This smacks to me of a form of McCarthyism.

Just the Facts

I like to know how this obscure website hit the headlines?

20.11.2008 14:07

I like to know how this obscure website hit the headlines? I never even hear of it and yet it on all the spread sheet/news media, who tipped them off?

Loppy

mm..

20.11.2008 15:05

"I am sure that there are many racists in the Police and Prison Service who have never been members of the BNP. Some of them may even be in the Labour Party. They can only be judged on behaviour so why not also members of the BNP."

The BNP are being judged solely on their behaviour. They signed up to a racist party. That makes them racist or incompetent or insane.

"I like to know how this obscure website hit the headlines? "

You mean you'd like us to do your homework for you. Try google. Try reading a few papers and blogs. It is even even apparent which 'obscure website' you are refering to.

Snoopy

It's a good thing

20.11.2008 16:27

I'm not a vigilante. I just think it pays to know where these people are, so that we can be secure when doing activities. Not to mention seeing who's teaching our kids, or who the copper at this or that demo could be.

Plus, all those years of redwatch. They've placed our details on their little site, and tried to intimidate us. How does it fucking feel now mr fascist?!!

woody

The Day

21.11.2008 05:14

Thinking about this a bit more, I long for the day when people are just as embarrassed to be members of the Tories or the Labour party as they are of the BNP. After all, Labour and the Tories are doing plenty of racist damage all over the world and are largely sponsored by people who are only there to make a few dollars.

Sean

BNP membership = Educated Professionals, so what?

21.11.2008 10:08

I really don't know why the BNP and others are crowing that this leak reveals that the BNP membership contains educated professionals, if you check your history books you will find that many high ranking members of the Nazi party were educated (some to Doctorate level) and held professional positions prior to the election of the Nazi's and yet look what they did.

An education is no gaurantee that someone isn't a racist bigot capable of helping to orchestrate mass murder on an industrial scale and therefore a danger. History has shown as much.

I Hate The Fash

A new form of McCarthyism

23.11.2008 11:43

I find the triumphalist tone of some posters from the 'Left' interesting. The threats of various types to members of the BNP have included violence and pressure on their employment. Where will that lead us? Does anyone imagine that the BNP don't know how to play tit-for-tat? It is after all a very simple game.

Do we really want to encourage a form of McCarthyism where we convert the membership list of a political Party into an employment blacklist? If so, may I suggest that disabled people about to be pressured into taking low-wage jobs by our NuLab fascist government consider joining quickly? "I'd love to work in McDonalds or Burger King but unfortunately I'm a member of the BNP!"

Art of War

Stop whining!

21.12.2008 17:15

If there's anything worse than the hypocritical whining of unmasked fascists, who for once are just as visible as the people of colour they so despise, it's the bleating of the white middle-class 'liberals' to whom the street activities of the fascist scum are largely irrelevent

Antifascist