In a far reaching judgement, Nick Griffin, leader of what remains of the BNP, has today been declared bankrupt.
The landmark hearing occurred today, 2nd January at 11.00 am in the Welshpool County Court. The bankruptcy petition was presented for judgment by creditors of Griffin.
Griffin, who is no stranger to bankruptcy, arrived in Court with Simon Darby (former deputy leader and constant aide) , and an advisor from a firm of Insolvency Practitioners who applied for an IVA (individual voluntary arrangement).
Griffin declared himself as without assets and offered to pay 42p in the £ over 5 years to all his creditors – the balance to be written off. This was rejected by the petitioning creditor.
Deputy District Judge Fox dismissed Griffin’s application and then proceeded to deal with the bankruptcy petition, which he granted.
Lawrence McDonald, counsel for the petitioning creditor, referred to the filed BNP accounts as being healthy.
The Judge was satisfied with the petition and declared Griffin bankrupt.
In an earlier hearing on 6th Feb 2013, Griffin had been ordered to pay what amounted to nearly £120,000 in outstanding moneys and costs to one of his or the Party’s creditors. Griffin’s habit of procrastination is thought to have contributed as much as £60,000 of this sum.
In a separate move, it is understood there is an application to obtain an attachment of Griffin’s earnings at the European Parliament. This would mean his parliamentary salary will be docked in part settlement of his debts. His Parliamentary salary is attachable before the expected loss of his seat in the European Elections.
It is not known how much the BNP owes in debts elsewhere. An employment tribunal remains outstanding in the sum of £25,000, quite apart from the vast costs of that case. It is also understood that many small traders are owed substantial amounts by what remains of the BNP, which Griffin still leads. One trader has apparently gone into liquidation because of Griffin’s non-payment.
Next week Griffin is due in Court again in a further hearing brought by other creditors. This is understood to embrace a figure of perhaps as much as £100,000, depending upon what sums have already been paid by either Griffin or the BNP.
For some time the BNP has been regularly boasting of the healthy nature of the party's accounts and the size of legacies left by former members. It is questionable as to whether the party's accounts have taken into consideration the sizeable debts owed to the party's creditors. This, in turn, casts doubt on the veracity of the accounts filed on behalf of the party.
As the BNP continues to limp along on life-support, many ex members have suggested that the purpose of the party is to provide Griffin and his family with a salary when he loses his seat. A second purpose is to prevent any successor party from replacing it.
In 2009/10, the BNP's membership was nearly 15,000. Today, excluding the 'Life' category of members – of which the majority have departed in disgust – the party's membership is believed to have collapsed by between 80-90%.
Many ex members have accused Griffin of having squandered the efforts and resources of numerous members and as having dashed their hopes for the future.
Many will ask how it is possible for Griffin, who receives a considerable salary as an MEP and handsome attendance allowances, to be made bankrupt. Questions will therefore arise as to what Griffin has done with his salary, monies and assets. His financial activities, how he has spent his money, whether he has transferred it with the prospect of Court actions in mind will all almost certainly become areas of considerable interest for the Trustee in Bankruptcy and other interested parties to investigate. The Trustee will, no doubt, also wish to investigate ownership of the Trafalgar funds and accounts.
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Footnote: See contributing notes below from a barrister about some of the legal issues surrounding this bankruptcy.
Details of the bankruptcy are now available on the Individual Insolvency Register, which can be found here.
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January 7 Update:
This morning in Court 57 of the Royal Courts of Justice, Nick Griffin and Simon Darby faced another costs hearing, resulting from their long-running civil actions against several expelled former BNP officials – Kenny Smith, Nicholla Ritchie (now Mrs Smith), Steve Blake and Ian Dawson.
Griffin and Darby lost the final stage of the case in December 2010, and lost their subsequent appeal.
Griffin and Darby were ordered to pay the costs of Mr and Mrs Smith and Messrs Blake and Dawson. After some postponement, a first instalment of £45,000 was eventually paid, though not before Sheriff’s officers had visited Nick Griffin’s house and removed a car.
Today they were ordered to pay an additional instalment of £22,500 within 28 days. Since Nick Griffin is bankrupt, Simon Darby is now seriously at risk of being made bankrupt if the money is not paid.
Another costs hearing in the case is now scheduled for Friday 21st March. This is to allow the Official Receiver, who is now in charge of Nick Griffin's affairs, to make representations if he so wishes. The total costs bill in this case is likely to be more than £130,000 (in addition to Griffin and Darby's own costs), of which only £45,000 has been paid so far, so that c. £90,000 is claimed over and above the £45,000 paid on account of which £22,500 is payable now.
Griffin’s and Darby’s lawyers had offered £5,000 in full and final settlement of the £90,000 claimed which caused irritation.
Anyone considering making a donation to the British National Party should be aware that – contrary to Nick Griffin's assertions – party funds are unlikely to be safe from Griffin and Darby's creditors in this and other cases. Today's long running case (though the largest) is only one of several legal liabilities confronting Griffin and his party.
Nick Griffin did not attend court today, although Simon Darby and BNP treasurer Clive Jefferson did. Surprisingly, the well known nationalist magazine, Heritage and Destiny, was the only media organisation represented.
Jefferson's presence suggests that it is has been realised that the party will have to pay this debt or a receiver of its funds will be appointed. Griffin and Darby brought the claim on behalf of all the members of the BNP, so it is a party debt.
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One small point. In England and Wales, bankruptcy does not nowadays lead to automatic disqualification, though it still does in Scotland and N. Ireland. Labour changed the law in the Enterprise Act 2002. No equivalent changes have been made in the Scottish and N. Ireland. legislation.
It is almost inevitable that Gri££in’s trustee in bankruptcy will now enforce his right to an indemnity out of party funds for the bankruptcy debt and the huge costs of the bankruptcy itself.
If the family business masquerading as a political party proves uncooperative, no doubt the trustee will take steps to wind it up (as the law allows).
To everyone who believed – while I hate to say “I told you so”, I did!
Re: “It is almost inevitable that Griffin’s trustee in bankruptcy will now enforce his right to an indemnity out of party funds for the bankruptcy debt and the huge costs of the bankruptcy itself.” For those of us unfamiliar with legal terms and processes, could you explain this in layman’s terms please Adrian?
As I understood it, the BNP constitution was written to give Griffin an indemnity for any debts he acquired out of party funds. In other words, the party pays his debts.
I stand to be corrected on that but it was my understanding.
The law of England somewhat resembles the mills of God!
“Though the mills of God grind slowly;
Yet they grind exceeding small;
Though with patience he stands waiting,
With exactness grinds he all.”
Thanks for the clarification Mike. That being the case who, in their right mind, would donate a single penny to the BNP knowing that it could end up paying off personal debt rather than furthering the nationalist cause?
Do you think that those who are still loyal to Griffin will now at last realise that the man is not fit to run a bath let alone a political party…..?
Unintelligent though most of his few remaining followers may be, that has to be on the cards!
Sorry, I was wrong about Northern Ireland, as Statutory Instrument No. 1544 of 2012 extended s. 426A of the Insolvency Act 1986 to N. I.
Sadly, Gri££o will remain a MEP for the N. W. region till 22nd May, when he will lose his seat by a humiliating margin. Still, it’s good news for his creditors that they can at least attach his earnings.
I am sorry for all the genuine patriots who worked so hard and provided funds to see it wasted so recklessly.
Quite so Diane. It’s been a frightful ongoing tragedy for so many who believed but were carried along on a swell of wishful thinking. The genuine folk were ignored and sidelined.
The important thing is not to start thinking that the pro British movement is all Nick Griffins. It’s not. But the press will always try to promote the unsatisfactory since they serve the system and its interests.
A little less wanting lurid publicity and thinking that meant progress would have saved a lot of people a great deal of heartache.
What wonderful news for everyone involved in the patriotic movement.
Griffin ruled in the BNP as though he were a dictator. He wasted the donations of the members. He surrounded himself with the worst elements. He demonstrated enormous incompetence. He has now become a bankrupt for the second time in his life but, as a leader of a party, he is also a custodian of party funds. What will now become of all those legacies?
They will be taken to satisfy Gri££o’s debts. He doesn’t think so, but he will find out that they will.
They do say “what goes around comes around”.
2014, the year of OUR fightback.
Hopefully this will be a watershed moment for nationalism, clearing the way for the Brit Dems.
Griffin, a graduate from one of the finest universities on the face of the Earth. Even a half-decent leader could have most easily have taken the BNP mainstream.
(Party Member) In May 2013 I had the honour of becoming a member of the British Democratic Party. I urge all decent people to consider joining us. Membership is not automatic but I am sure that having read our policy statement you will agree that we are the ‘real deal’. Our party is run by decent people with a genuine, ego-free attitude and a desire to avoid nationalism’s mistakes of the past. With a heavy heart about the past. Regards to all genuine Nationalists Simon John Shaw Fairbairn.
I sincerely hope that Griffin does not qualify to stand again as an MEP candidate. It seems obvious that once he became elected his attitude towards the European Union completely changed, and he suddenly became an enthusiast for Britain being part of the EU, but only to try and transform it, of course! His true motive appears to me to be more of seeing it as a very lucrative gravy train, like Farage and most of his fellow UKIP MEP’s. I may be wrong, but I understand that if an MEP serves just two terms of office they are then entitled to a very generous pension.
He should have stood down from being leader of the BNP immediately he became an MEP. I personally can’t see how anyone can do the job of being the leader of a controversial party at home and still be a parliamentarian in a parliament on the Continent at the same time.
Is it really any wonder the BNP went to pot as soon as that breakthrough was achieved?
It’s a well-known ruse among sectors of the business community that if you are going to be sued, and you know you have some money coming in, you get yourself declared bankrupt.
Well said.
I have resigned from Ukip over Farage’s Syrian refugees comment and I am most impressed with your BDP policy statement. In the past, I have voted BNP but never joined.
I am joining your party today.
Hopefully, if he is able to stand in May, even more people will not vote for him. I for one would not vote for a bankrupt, especially one trying to convince the electorate that he is a person to be trusted with not only their money, but the running of the country as well!
BNP supporters may now begin to realise why I resigned as Dewsbury BNP councillor and my membership in 2008. I feel for genuine BNP members who believed in their nation.
Welcome back to Colin Auty, delighted to see you’re still with us. We still play your inspiring music regularly.
Good to see you are still around Colin.
Have a great New Year
We’ve had a few messages from people who seem to think that Griffin’s bankruptcy is to be blamed on those who reported it!
The fact is that he was declared bankrupt because he bought commercial services and did not pay for them. Nothing else. It happens every day. If his supporters wish it they can surely donate to pay those bills can they not?
The BNP has had millions through its hands and could surely have met all the necessary bills had it managed its affairs.
The reason the BDP publicised the bankruptcy is for the same reason we discuss UKIP’s affairs.
Because, in our view, the two organisations seeming to oppose the destruction of our country which are best known – UKIP and the BNP – are so deeply flawed that they cannot save us.
Surely that is a proper matter for us to debate?
UKIP is an international business party which poses as anti-immigration. The BNP is so badly run that it has no hope of proceeding successfully. Surely the bankruptcy of its leader after so much treasure has been poured into it must make that plain?
Of course there will be those disappointed by the above who are angry at anyone pointing it out.
What a tragedy that the man that only a few short years ago was looked upon as the nationalist Messiah should come to such an end.
But what would cause a reasonably intelligent man educated in one of the finest universities in the land to throw away the certainty of forwarding the British nationalist cause in the ‘mother of all parliaments’?
How has this happened? How can someone on a huge MEP salary end up in this position?
Nationalists need to start working together, the enemy wants us fragmented. We must work together just as the Marines, the Artillery, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy work together.
So true Ade, if we can all consolidate as one national cause then our impact would be massive in my opinion.
Dear Colleague
You will have read the lies being circulated by the enemies of our great party (DONATE HERE) concerning our financial circumstances. The fact remains that this vindictive action against Britain’s fastest growing political party (DONATE HERE) serves to illustrate the threat we pose to the established order. Clearly they fear the great advances made by the party over the last few years under my leadership (DONATE HERE) and are doing their level best to scupper our chances ahead of the approaching EU elections. Furthermore you can advance the cause of British nationalism by fighting on after you are gone by remembering us in your will. The leadership of this party knows how to make your money go a long way.
Banning people from standing for office is anti-democratic but I won’t be organising a whip round for Griffin. How about nominating him for “I’m A Celebrity?”
This party is right to publicise this issue as it is important within patriotic politics in the UK. It appears at the BBC website on the first page. The BNP like UKIP, Labour and the Tories are rivals to this party.
Griffin was made bankrupt previously and was one of the key figures in the weakening and splits of the patriotic right in the 1980s – as such UKIP could then gain a foothold in the 1990s due to divisions. Griffin was the key figure in the electoral collapse of the British National Party before and after the last general election and he has been made bankrupt again. As a result UKIP is now gaining a greater foothold in UK politics.
There is now an alternative, so there is no excuse for people to back him and his personalised party.
If a man can’t even keep his personal affairs in order then he has no moral right to be a MEP, far less have any control, directly or indirectly, over either public or party funding.
Griffin’s long overdue bankruptcy is all well and good but does not answer the big question that his donor nationalists have been asking for some five years now – where has our money gone? This is no petty question as the sums involved are very considerable indeed. It is my sincere hope that the authorities launch an in-depth investigation into his financial affairs.
Griffin offered 42p in the pound over five years to clear £120,000 of debt most for the Equality and Commission case costs. The main petitioner quite rightly rejected this offer, as Griffin tried a similar stunt with previous creditors that printed leaflets for his party. To not pay people who print leaflets and represent your party in court is very poor and is of very low moral standard.
The Equality and Commission case was four years ago since then Griffin has had four/five years of MEP salary at £83,000 per year. He also has a plethora of other income streams. As an MEP after tax for a five year term the take home pay is around £250,000. Griffin could easily have cleared a debt of £120,000.
Going bankrupt is lot cheaper for Griffin, but of course him going bankrupt causes electoral damage to his party and those people involved in nationalist politics. But, he doesn’t care about the UK just himself. Griffin has a undergraduate law degree and likes to pick battles in court, but he has yet to be successful.
Griffin overreached the financial resources of the BNP. He had big plans and made major outlays in anticipation of a membership and electoral breakthrough which never arrived.
The fact that it never arrived is almost entirely due to his own failure to match up to the demands made on him as party leader. He is responsible for the fact that the BNP has sunk almost without trace.
A more savvy, intelligent, people-friendly leader could have steered the BNP to success, as the people of the country were and are hungering and thirsting after a party that genuinely represents them.
Andrew Bronson would have made a much better fist of it.
He didn’t promote the more able members of the party because he was scared they might become potential replacements. This is very similar to how Farage behaves with regard to UKIP and why that party is fundamentally a weak party which has little in the way of long-term growth potential. It will be interesting to see what will happen to UKIP if the media switch off the publicity machine after the Euro elections.
How can anyone in their right mind vote for a party with a leader who has been declared bankrupt twice?
Thirty years ago John Tyndall spoke of building up the assets of the BNP with a view to regional meetings in buildings owned by the party as he envisaged the state would apply pressure on landlords making meetings difficult to arrange.Seems to me BNP meetings are still held in pub back rooms. The lack of progress is sad.
The outcome of the court case in respect of the man in Spain who left most of his estate to the BNP as opposed to his sons is awaited with interest.
The bankruptcy order against Griffin is a major event for those opposing the big parties from a nationalist perspective. It was perfectly right for the BDP to publicise it.
But the BDP is not a discussion group for those fed up with the BNP. It’s an entirely separate party with its own style not a splinter version of the BNP.
Comments will thus shortly be closed concerning the internal demerits of the BNP – unless to place in the context of traps into which parties generally can fall and from which any party may usefully learn.
Those wishing to discuss the internal workings of the BNP at length may like to join the British Democratic Forum.
How will the creditors get paid? Here’s how. The party’s constitution gives the chairman an indemnity out of party funds for liabilities incurred qua chairman. Obviously the party’s assets cannot be seized to pay his private debts, but the debts due to Gilbert Davies were indisputably incurred while acting as chairman, not for Gri££o’s private purposes.
Upon the chairman’s bankruptcy, the trustee stands in his shoes and can pursue the indemnity whether the bankrupt likes it or not. The bankrupt probably won’t like it, but that is neither here nor there
Even though an unincorporated association has no legal personality, and is not within any part of the Insolvency Act 1986, the High Court has an inherent power to wind up an unincorporated association; see Re Lead Company’s Workmen’s Fund Society [1904] 2 Ch. 196 and Blake v. Smither (1906) 22 TLR 698. The Court also has the power to appoint a receiver of the BNP’s assets to give effect to the trustee’s indemnity.
Because Gri££in doesn’t pay his own solicitors, he has trouble in obtaining legal advice, and generally relies on an unqualified crony and barrack room lawyer. As a result, he has not anticipated the consequences of his bankruptcy and does not understand them.
No doubt the trustee will exercise these powers. Any person operating “fronts” for the party would be at risk of contempt proceedings, and orders to account to the receiver or liquidator for monies received by them on the party’s behalf. Any person assisting the bankrupt in concealing assets or assisting the treasurer of the party in concealing or dissipating funds will be made personally liable.
Thanks for the explanation Adrian. If I understand the implications of this correctly then the BNP could be hit for all debts claimed by various parties allegedly incurred by NG and awarded against him in his capacity as Chairman. In effect NG’s bankruptcy could act as a conduit to satisfy claimants debts and costs at the expense of the BNP, rather than of its Chairman. That being the case then the BNP itself could be bankrupted.
Yes, you have it exactly. So long as the debts were incurred by Griffin as chairman of the family business masquerading as a political party, not by him personally, they can be enforced against party funds by the route of the trustee in bankruptcy asking the Court to appoint a receiver or a liquidator of the party to give effect to the indemnity. There are differences between receivership and liquidation, but either will do the trick from the creditors’ point of view.
He seems to be acting as if this has no consequence for him and thinking that it will not prevent him from standing. It is a bankruptcy restriction order that will do that (BRO) and that is down to the trustee that is appointed to decide if restrictions are to be put in place.
If a trustee does not act in the interests of the creditors then it makes a mockery out of the whole insolvency process for others. If an elected politician can state the very next day that bankruptcy will cause no problems for him and in essence be a benefit that is a very bad signal to send out to people who are in debt.
The bankruptcy process is not simple and easy and has far reaching consequences to people who have not gone out of their way to insure themselves against such an event. In fact to plan a bankruptcy is illegal and has penalties and to hide monies for the purpose of bankruptcy is also illegal.
No one should enter the bankruptcy process thinking that there are going to be no consequences or effects on their future. Everything has penalties and for many it could lead to the loss of their home, it should be avoided at all costs.
If this process continues and has no adverse affects whatsoever then either the system is flawed or the system wants him down but not out.
Before 1869, a failure to cooperate with the court meant the debtor’s prison.
Charles Dickens’ father, who was a compulsive spendthrift, famously ended up in the Marshalsea Prison despite a good income. Dickens wrote about it in Little Dorrit. Mr Micawber famously warned against spending more than you earn.
After Dickens senior was happily released due to a legacy, the family went to live in Somers Town near Euston Station. Before long they were kicked out for non-payment of something or other.
There is a lesson here.
It will be interesting to see what happens next. If the powers-that-be do nothing and decline the opportunity to bankrupt the BNP then it would suggest that it is in their interest to keep it afloat as a wholly compromised cul-de-sac for political dissidents.
If, on the other hand, they go for broke and bankrupt it then that’s it – goodnight Vienna, as they say. Either way any person considering renewing their membership or making a donation to that party might just as well flush their money down the toilet for all the use it will be.
The question Jim raises is the broader issue of how those in power exploit safety valves to help them retain power. People are led into believing they are working against the system when they are really working for it.
Violent left-wing groups which suck in naive students and so on and get them arrested are a classic – when they turn out to be mysteriously funded by the very government their supporters think they are working against! Keen followers of current politics will immediately identify one example.
But the all time classic is groups embraced by the media as genuine opponents of the system and given ample air time under the cover tale of flourishing democratic debate. Their leaders can usually be bought off by being offered membership of the system. If it seemed unlikely that they could be purchased they would never be allowed the media exposure in the first place.
Beware the group given lots of media exposure of a helpful kind!
Why do people in the media allow themselves to be corrupted? Those lower down have the rent to pay, while those higher up can make enormous sums of money.
Thanks for your clarification of the legal issues, Adrian – there is a lot of misinformation and half-truths circulating, so it’s helpful to have your input.
Glad to be of help. The law of unincorporated associations is obscure, to say the least, but I believe that my analysis is sound. We shall see what the Courts make of it all, I do not doubt.
Reading the update above, it’s plain how horribly unnecessary this tragedy has been for everyone involved. It’s had no positive function whatsoever in saving our country.
The impression one gets is of a regime which simply went mad and thought money grew on trees. It must not be repeated by any group seeking to prevent our extinction as a people.
It is quite clear that the party is liable for these debts, incurred by Griffin on behalf of the party.
This reveals two leading points:
1 Griffin has accumulated huge debts – imprudent though he is with money and yet running what was a large organisation – and unchecked by a constitution and in the absence of an elected body that could oppose his flawed strategies. No wonder he opposed Arthur Kemp’s constitutional proposals to democratise the party. Had these been implemented some years ago, the party would now remain viable.
2 Party members who now donate will find, rather as members found in 2010, that their funds disappear into a black hole.
If the vast debts of 2010, which saw branch funds cleared out, are combined with the debts from the latest Court cases, with expenses added by Griffin’s delays, then colossal quantities of supporters’ funds have been wasted.
One rather hopes members will see the light.
I really do not understand the mentality of certain leading BNP officials who even now loudly proclaim that the party is “in the black”, meaning that it has money in the bank, in the light of the recent court cases.
Such claims are as red rags to a bull as far as courts and creditors are concerned. They might just as well say “Here’s the money – come and get it boys”! Indeed, it’s this very attitude that has landed both the party and its leadership in the position in which they now find themselves. When will these people wise up and realise that you cannot run a political party as though it were a market stall.
Clearly any donations, legacies or membership subs might just as well be sent directly to the receivers or courts concerned because they will be of next to no benefit in promoting either the BNP or British nationalism. Finally, should not the BNP at least try to do the decent thing by utilising whatever financial resources it still has to honour its debts, at least in respect of those, particularly small businesses, who have provided it with goods and services?
Quite right James.
What a display of incompetence! If these people had any honour, they would resign and seek to re-attract into the cause the best people in British nationalism: people of ethical character who place their country and the cause above themselves.
What wishful thinking! The BNP leadership will carry on because they are in it for themselves.
Just imagine if directors of companies had conducted themselves this way; they would be sacked and forever be remembered for their incompetence.
If Griffin and his colleagues want to be remembered kindly, they should now resign.
The sad tragedy is that so many have now departed, in disgust, never to return to the nationalist flag again.
Still, those of us still in it for the country must continue and I am glad we have an honest man in Andrew Brons.
I recall the case of a fine activist and full-time party worker Michaela Mackenzie. She had won her employment tribunal against Mr Griffin but was still awaiting payment. That was back in 2010. It looks like all these deferred cases are coming to a head.
(Party Member) As a former long standing member and indeed official of the old party, I am dismayed but not surprised at these events. All the signs are there that the British people are waking up at last and 2014 will indeed see the revival of the British. Our brand of decent Nationalism is the way forward for our country and I urge all decent Nationalists to keep the faith and join us Today. Regards to all, Simon John Shaw Fairbairn.
Griffin, per the BNP website, is now boasting of bankruptcy, saying that it puts him in the same league as the list of bankrupts he quotes.
No word about those who are not paid and who go under or suffer in consequence. No word about the gross irresponsibility and recklessness with other’s trust or money or of those wronged.
This man must be one of the most detestable individuals in politics – across all parties. No one from any other party would conduct himself in such a disgraceful manner. Most would resign at once from all positions held.
‘One of the most detestable individuals in politics’. True, but perhaps he has reasons we know naught of.
As for people in other parties behaving as disgracefully, I am quite willing to believe that there are other scandals buried in the corridors of Westminster that just haven’t come to light yet. When they do, we shouldn’t be surprised at the stink. Resigning? Few politicians, bankers, etc resign any more.
Didn’t Hague, Duncan-Smith and Howard all resign as Tory leaders? Plus Robin Cook resigned his cabinet position over the Iraq war.
They resign sure – then they are back again in major roles!
Hague resigned and so did Howard (after not allowing his party to choose his successor!) but Duncan-Smith was so comically inept even the Tory Party couldn’t dare risk letting him lead them to another massive defeat. Personally, I think IDS has a bit of a chip on his shoulder regarding this and wants to make vulnerable British people pay for the fact his party dumped him so his so-called welfare ‘reforms’ are aimed at making him a ‘hero’ of right-wing Tories by making the unemployed etc suffer.
The fact of the matter is that the political side in Britain which wants our country and people to continue to exist – contrary to the wish of the big parties – has been dragged down for decades by an internal culture which seemed to think that the way to appeal to the public was a political version of a soap opera.
Mr Griffin played up for years to that naive belief and provided a sort of variety club where people could indulge their taste for lurid goings on, gossip, and scandal. Some people would pay good money, he found, for the pleasure of all this which they mistakenly believed was ‘doing politics’. That is the explanation for much of the bizarre stuff which has dogged the BNP.
Those who actually wanted to do serious politics struggled for years in an infertile climate and then either left or were squeezed out or remained outside in despair. The BDP was formed to provide a home.
First class comment, Mr Newland. Time to do serious politics without the crackpots who surround Griffin and who he promoted.
I’m confused – can someone enlighten me?
One thing the BNP was always careful to stress to members was to stay well away from ‘extremism’ and, in particular, foreign extremism’ – the sort of thing that the “British” media just loves to latch onto to damage the reputation of the party. With that in mind the BNP today is making much of Griffin sharing a Golden Dawn platform at one of their press conferences in Athens. Now whilst Golden Dawn may be doing a very good job in Greece and deservedly enjoys the support of a broad swathe of the Greek electorate one has to ask just how Griffin’s open association with this party will play out here in Britain?
Surely the message has been – avoid people in black shirts prone to making ‘Roman salutes’ – if for no other reason than it provides fuel to the ‘British’ media in its efforts to demonize British nationalism by linking it to an entirely different sort of nationalism as once promoted by a certain former German corporal? Does Griffin not understand the damage he is potentially inflicting on his own party and British nationalism in general through such open association – or doesn’t he care?
Precisely. The Greeks have their own way of doing things and Golden Dawn know what will work in their country but just because it may work in Greece doesn’t mean it will work here. Any remotely competent leader of the BNP would know that.
Jim, he does not care. It provides a platform for him and some publicity with which to satisfy his ego.
See, by the way, the report in the Spectator magazine on Griffin and how he has destroyed the BNP. You could hardly write it better yourself!
Please let’s stop this orgy of self-righteousness regarding the affairs of Nick Griffin. Time to let this matter go.
The BNP was for some years the major opposition to the misrule we suffer and when UKIP was not in the forefront.
So it’s quite right for us to cover what has happened recently.
But as gramme says, we must not become bogged down in discussing Griffin’s failure.
The moderators are aware of the fact that there are many disappointed people who want a say on how let down they feel. But we are not here for that purpose and it’s time to think constructively about the future of our country.
The BNP under Griffin was never a REAL nationalist party.It was simply controlled opposition in the grand tradition of The Trust,the supposed anti-Bolshevik group of the early 1920’s which it later transpired was actually headed by Joseph Stalin!
It should also be pointed out that UKIP and Nigel Farage have also recently proven themselves to be yet another example of such tactics.This was PROVEN by their eternal silence about the EU’s central role in the flooding of the Somerset Levels.This flooding is DELIBERATE and is PLANNED.
The EU has divided Britain into six categories from Policy Option 1,requiring absolute protection from flooding to Policy Option 6, an area that is REQUIRED to be FLOODED. And the Somerset Levels are Policy Option 6!
And that is why when Eric Pickles attacked the Environment Agency and Lord Smith on TV on Sunday he was rabidly sucking up to them on Monday,he had been warned not to rouse them in case they defended themselves with the truth!
And THAT is why all 3 major party leaders are all repeating the same mantra that this is no time to play the “Blame Game”,because if they try and crucify the likes of Lord Smith he can simply reveal the truth and put the blame where it really belongs,Brussels!
I was, like Mike Newland, once a proud and extremely active member of the BNP. I even supported NG when he took over the BNP from the late great John Tyndall, believing the Party is bigger than one man. NG was the new head so I carried on in my belief the party came first.
It didn’t take me long to to get the measure of the man. He quickly surrounded himself with yes men while discarding many good patriots.
I left the BNP about 3 yrs afterwards and have never had anything to do with them since.
So all have had a stab in Griffins back. Strange then how popular he was when elected MEP. Me I got lucky, living in the vicinity of Richard Edmonds. Who was an invited speaker at our branch many times.
But what’s the position today. Are the creditors going after BNP funds or not. And Where is the bad guy . I’ve heard many rumours . One he even joined the Labour Party. If true, then poetic in a way . They are all liars, who ignore the folk Hardy, its founder ,wished to help.
( Party Member ) Make no mistake, OUR PARTY IS CLASSLESS. We wish to represent ALL THE BRITISH. Nationalist Party’s that wish to be some ‘ working class ‘ movement only will always fail in this Country.
His TV appearance was a disgrace, he should have walked (out as any decent nationalist would). His visit to Israel was also a bit suspect, to say the least.