As widely predicted, the BNP managed to score some successes in both the
local elections (with 3 new county councillors) and the Euro elections
(with 2 new MEPs). Leaving aside the fact that the BNP vote did not
increase as much as the scumbags hoped (one-eye only narrowly won in the
north-west), the election of fascists is always bad news - especially the
Euro vote. Having MEPs gives the BNP access to more funds, increases
opportunities to hobnob with fascists from other parts of Europe, and
allows the BNP to claim mainstream political credentials.

Meanwhile, other political parties are keen to be seen to condemn the
BNP's success, no doubt relishing the chance to make their own sorry
politics look more palatable by comparison (which isn't too hard when
you're talking about overt racists).

So, what next? The BNP will no doubt be building on their gains as a
platform for future expansion, still hiding their fascism behind suits and
spin - and so the work of militant anti-fascists continues. Rather than
waste energy agonising over the voting charade, we must concentrate on
stopping the BNP wherever they appear - it's clear to see that the
"democratic process" cannot arrest the creeping spread of fascism, of
which the BNP are the most obvious manifestation. It's up to ordinary
people to show robust opposition to the BNP both physically and
ideologically wherever they try to meet, speak or organise. This must go
hand-in-hand with resisting the repression that ruling parties (of
whatever stripe) will inevitably visit on us as the recession deepens and
the ruling classes try to protect their threatened privileges.

By direct action, we will show that the BNP are not to be tolerated,
whatever successes they may have wangled through the political system.
Fascism will never be acceptable, and militant anti-fascists must ensure
that its growth is stunted by any means necessary.