Report by Dr Charles Mather — The largest ever British National Party meeting in Wigan and Leigh Group was held last Thursday when an audience in excess of 130 people packed out a brand new venue in Hindley Green.

The packed venue kicked off with awards to local activists for their hard work in the run-up to the European elections, where the increase in votes helped secure a Euro parliamentary seat for Nick Griffin.

A joint award for best leaflet distributor was given to Tony Grime and Chris Boland, while the award for best cyber activist was given to Henry Morgan, who also supervised all the sealing of ballot boxes.

The best local activist award was given to Gary Chadwick for organising the Wigan and Leigh groups into a coherent unit and for his work in ensuring the party’s regional popularity through clever campaigning on local issues.

The highly prized shield for best all round activist was won by Ken Haslam for his work in gaining new members, leafleting and sales of the Voice of Freedom newspaper.

First speaker was local activist Leila Bentham who in her first public speech provided an important overview of the importance of nationalism. Ms Bentham pointed out the differences between civic nationalism and ethno-nationalism, saying that the single most important factor which bound any nation together was its sense of national identity.

This was followed by our main speaker Arthur Kemp, who gave a rousing speech explaining the dangers Britain faced on all fronts, from mass immigration to the destruction of our industries and the selling off of our national assets.

“The two BNP MEPs are only the start of our progress,” Mr Kemp said. “There is much work to be done and we must not rest on our laurels. The British public is coming increasingly round to our way of thinking, and it is no coincidence that the media’s hatred and lies have increased since the election, as they know that the end time for the old parties is coming.”

A question and answer session which lasted until well after 11 pm followed, which was an indication of the enthusiasm and interest shown. Since the election, Wigan and Leigh BNP group have taken 173 new enquiries about joining the party, and several new people were signed up on the night.

The collection, raffle and merchandise sales raised just over £320 for party funds.