Apathy 'could let in BNP'

The leading candidates in the race to become mayor of London have joined forces to warn people that failing to vote could hand electoral success to the BNP.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone is urging people to "use your vote - stop the BNP".

Operation Black Vote, which aims to boost the ethnic minority turnout, launches today with the stark message: "The racists are more dangerous than ever - they are voting".

Any BNP success would be "a stain on the capital's reputation", according to Conservative mayoral candidate Steve Norris.

Simon Hughes, the Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate, also warned the BNP could "sneak a seat through the back door of voter apathy".

Recent polls show that voter apathy has left the BNP poised to cash in on the current politically-sensitive climate in which Muslims and asylum seekers are sometimes seen as enemies of the state.

A YouGov poll this week showed the BNP with 5% support for the June 10 local and European elections - the figure it needs to gain a seat at London's City Hall. Turnout could be just 24%, it was suggested, creating the conditions the BNP thrives in.

In kicking off his campaign near the Willesden Green Mosque in north-west London last night, Mr Livingstone said: "Politicians often ask you to vote for them but on this occasion I am just asking you to vote.

"Every vote Londoners cast will make it more difficult for the BNP to get elected."

Mr Norris said: "I am appalled at the prospect of the BNP getting an assembly member elected.

"London is the greatest city in the world and if the BNP win a seat it would be a stain on the capital's reputation."

Mr Hughes said: "It is vital that as many people in London turn out to vote to ensure that the BNP does not sneak a seat through the back door of voter apathy.

"Voters from all communities in London must send a message to the BNP that they are not welcome in the capital."

Members of Unite Against Fascism (UAF), an anti-racist group, are also meeting at the House of Commons to drive home their fears about the BNP's prospects for power.

Thousands of leaflets, bearing the message "Use your vote to stop the BNP", are being distributed across London today.