Dear Baroness Warsi,
I read with interest your piece in the Sun today, claiming that a ‘Yes’ vote in the AV Referendum would help the BNP. I am Jewish and, like you, detest everything that the BNP stand for. For that reason, if I genuinely believed a ‘Yes’ vote would help such a vile group I would not be actively supporting the ‘Yes’ campaign.
While your example of Dewsbury is troubling, as far as I can tell it does not prove in anyway that the BNP would have won that seat under AV. Thankfully, I still have not seen a clear example of where the BNP could or would have actually won a seat under AV. Extremists are called extremists for a reason. People vote for fascists because they want to see fascists elected. The concept of anyone voting for a mainstream party first, then giving a second preference to the BNP is bordering on the absurd.
If you have such strong concerns about the BNP gaining influence, I urge you as Chairman of your party to lead your candidates into standing strong against their aim of dividing and inflaming communities, and not to be influenced by them.
As for AV helping extremists gain legitimacy, after you were brave enough to take on Nick Griffin on live television you know better than most that as soon as the BNP face any real scrutiny they are exposed for exactly what they are. Which parties do you seriously see wishing to take on any aspect of their ill thought out, racist policies? The BNP are defeated by strong communities, who stand together against their lies, not by people offering watered-down versions of their manifesto.
Baroness, the truth is that the most likely route for the BNP to gain a parliamentary seat is by sneaking in on a low threshold, in a community where there is a low turn out.
I understand why you really want a no vote, and respect your right to campaign for one. Please though set out your case for First Post the Post, don’t cloud the issue and give extremists more credit than we both know they deserve.
Kind regards,
Charlotte Henry
Editor, www.virtuallynaked.co.uk
