In an open democracy it would be entirely wrong for us to ban extremist parties from standing for election - but equally - it would be entirely wrong to exclude important elements of a free society (such as the Church) from boldly speaking out against such parties.
To exclude any religious or non-religious group from engaging in the political system would be as perverse to our democratic system as banning extremist groups themselves - and this is our mark of tolerance and fair play.
I'm proud that the Britain I live in is so tolerant and even handed, and that we have our ideological battles in an open, largely peaceful democratic system - it demonstrates an agreeable degree of civility.
This would all be put at risk if we open the door to intolerant extremists, and I would strongly urge those tempted to vote for them to look at the whole picture and to listen to both sides of the argument.
1 comment:
Martin.
I am appalled at the idea that such an un-Christian, venom-filled bunch of thugs like the BNP are trying to ingratiate themselves into the mainstream of British politics, and those of the Northwest.
I hope that, even though the three parties in Manchester rarely agree about anything else, we will all agree that our top priority must be to kick out the nasty, spurious brand of politics that the BNP represent. They have no place in Manchester!
Rob
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