I see the far-left i.e. The Protesters, are no better than the BNP ?? Violence is NOT the way to change political view. The BNP where democratically elected. By causing trouble/violence they are no worse than the IRA trying to cause political change in NI. I hope they now all get an ASBO, and if you dislike the BNP then you ballot box not violence.

Sad, presumably mostly young and idealistic, but they'd achieve more if they demonstrated against the root cause of the BNP's increased role; the Labour Party.

A couple of weeks ago a student friend of one of my children told me he'd been in a pub and got talking to someone who it turned out had recently voted for the BNP. Asked why, he said it was a choice between thieves and racists. The BNP will never get my vote but one should not decry the many voters who feel they have good reason to vote for the BNP.

#2 I agree with you, they won seats because of disgraceful behaviour by our big 3 parties. Who is the scum? Is it the BNP who were elected to Europe legitimately or these lawbreakers "clashing with police"? The protesters need to look what they're ranting about, the BNP haven't been elected to government but to sit in the Europarliment where I'm sure we'll be soon hearing the truth about the big 3 UK political parties.... boy, are they worried about that!!!! If the BNP say anything that the rest of the Europarliment disagree with or is deemed racist they will be silenced I'm sure. Let's hear what they have to say before they're judged with hearsay & malicious gossip... irrespective of what they have allegedly said I have seen nothing concrete to show they are as bad as the lefties say!!!

What policies/improvements can the BNP offer?

I would like to see the BNP challenged with questions on...

NHS
Public Transport
Unemployment
Minimum wage
Petty crime

This report is completely at odds with what i saw while I was there (not protesting incidentally, just passing by). There was no violence, no 'angry exchanges', and in fact I saw one protestor, to cheers from the assembled crowd, talk about the virtues of non-violence and structured protest. It all seemed rather calm to me. But "Anti BNP Protestrs in Calm Demonstration" isn't nearly as grabbing as a headline is it.

Where were all these people when it came to voting the other week?

Seems NOW they want to do something when the other week they probably couldn't be bothered getting out of bed to vote.

Seems to me they are trying to justify their lack of voting!!

As has been pointed out most of them are probably all brain washed hippies who attend Uni and study philosophy and politics.

The BNP were democratically elected, live with it.

I don't agree with all of their policies but most....
Just like wise red, blue, yellow voters don't agree with all of their electorates manifesto - the government need to listen.
As someone who was made an outcast once said "...there will be rivers of blood...." - you can't say you weren't warned, and that was decades ago.

It won't go away no matter how much people protest.

Tom, don't forget sociology students. When I was at university recently, these were the most wishy-washy, hand-wringing, bleeding-heart morons about.

Come on Tom, it's unlikely that all the protesters are from Padiham and Burnley West! I agree though, the BNP got in because the so called 'decent citizens' couldn't be bothered voting. Having said that, we shouldn't discount the votes of those who DID vote - their views may be unpopular but they are entitled to have them. Let them get on with it and next time round, if you don't agree - VOTE ACCORDINGLY!

Today we have seen a BNP councillor take up her seat at Lancashire Council with a considerable protest against her presence. However, we have also seen a new Tory administration appointed today that will usher in 4 years of devastating cuts in services that disadvantage the poorest and most needy in the county (not to mention most other people). The BNP occupy only seat; one seat too many I agree, but only one seat and therefore not likely to initiate muuch change. The Tories hold a majority and will savage the county in the years to come (if their records at Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and elsewhere are anything to go by). I hope that these protesters will be as vocal and active in opposing the Tory party and their cuts, as they are in opposing this one single BNP councillor. The real debate should be over provision of council services and poeple should be ready to protest against the Tories when the cuts come.