BNP or former BNP activists were reported as staffing the Leave stall in Eastbourne town centre by a number of witnesses from different trade unions on (at least) the weekend of 14th May, and the weekend of 28th May. These included local far-right activist John Robinson, who was the BNP's #1 List candidate for the South East in the last European Parliament election.Dave Brinson, Secretary of Eastbourne Trades Council said:
"There is a diverse range of views on the referendum across the unions. Many are campaigning to remain, but others are firmly on the side of exit. Some have not taken a position."
"One thing that unites all of Eastbourne's trade unions, however, is a determination that the debate on Europe is not hijacked by extremists who want to use it as a platform to peddle racism, xenophobia and hate. "
"The national Leave campaign has apparently made it clear to far-right groups that they do not have permission to use official Leave materials. We are calling on the Leave campaign in Eastbourne to make clear that BNP activists- including failed MEP candidates- have no place in their organisation."
The TUC has policy on supporting a "Remain" vote, as do a number of major trade unions with members in Eastbourne, such as Unite, Unison, USDAW and the Fire Brigades Union. Others, including RMT and ASLEF are actively campaigning for the UK to leave the EU. A number of unions such as the NUT and Equity do not have a position. Eastbourne Trades Council has chosen not to take an official position on the referendum.
The Mail on Sunday (not a paper we often speak warmly of!) ran an excellent exposee of the infiltration of the Leave campaign by the far-right today. You can read it here.
