The British National Party (BNP) is to hold its annual conference in South Derbyshire – a move which has dismayed opponents.
A letter from the party’s leader, Nick Griffin, to ‘fellow patriots’, says the event will be held from December 10 to 12 ‘at a first class venue’.
Today, critics condemned the announcement as unfortunate.
The event, unlike its predecessors, ‘is going to be a spectacular combination of political speeches, audio-visual displays, training, policy debates, stalls and entertainment, all within a four-star venue complete with restaurant, bar and a whole range of suitable accommodation to fit your needs’.
Mr Griffin, a Euro MP for the UK’s North West constituency, says the gathering, under the banner ‘Moving Forward Together’, will open at 3pm on the Friday before a black tie gala dinner with entertainment and an address by the leader himself.
The following day will involve political discussion groups, workshops, training seminars and formal meetings between BNP groups, including the Crusaders.
A carvery lunch will be followed by a rally featuring political speeches from senior officers, audio-visual presentations and departmental reports.
Saturday evening will see the ‘Christmas Grand Ball’, an event including a three-course meal, entertainment, music and refreshments.
The following day will start with a church service and be followed by a two-course lunch and a ‘finishing display’ involving a BNP Veterans’ Parade, leadership Question Time, audio-visual British history presentation and a ‘keynoteaddress’ from Mr Griffin.
Policy and constitutional amendment debates will be held during the weekend.
Geoff Dickens, the BNP’s East Midlands organiser, said the party had chosen South Derbyshire because it was ‘a central location’, but declined to name the venue ‘because it was usually threatened by the Left’.
Kevin Richards, the leader of the Labour opposition on South Derbyshire District Council, said: “It’s very unfortunate that they’ve chosen South Derbyshire because wherever they’ve been before in the county it’s always caused problems and attracted protests.”
Burton Mail
