kaya'08

The British National Party (BNP) has joined forces with far-right groups in a new European Alliance of National Movements.

The movement will not be recognised as a political bloc in the European Parliament, but it might receive EU funding as a pan-European grouping.

BNP leader Nick Griffin - one of two Euro MPs from the party - said the funding would be 11m euros (£10m).

French and Hungarian nationalists are heading the alliance with the BNP.

Fellow MEPs Bruno Gollnisch of the French National Front and Balczo Zoltan of the Hungarian Jobbik party launched the new movement in Brussels, alongside Mr Griffin.

They do not meet the EU minimum requirement for recognition as a political grouping in the parliament - that is at least 25 members from seven countries.

Rejecting 'superstate'

The BBC's Dominic Hughes in Brussels says the new alliance will have to satisfy complex EU rules to gain access to EU funding.

He says there is also a question mark over how well the new allies can work together, since an attempt to form a similar group in the previous parliament - known as Identity, Tradition, Sovereignty (ITS) - collapsed in November 2007.

Among the conditions set by the European Parliament for funding pan-European political parties is a clause saying they "must observe the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law".

The new alliance's manifesto, published on the National Front (FN) website, says it "rejects all attempts to create a European superstate".

It calls for "a humane and peaceful solution to the problem of immigration" through co-operation to raise living standards in developing countries.

It advocates "effective protection of Europe against the new threats of terrorism, as well as against political, economic, financial or religious imperialism".

It calls for "strong pro-family policies to reverse Europe's population decline and to promote traditional values in society".

The alliance also wants a "joint fight" against "the destructive effects of globalisation".

BBC NEWS | Europe | BNP in alliance with nationalists

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Great, now not only are the Elitists trying to to away our countries, but their funding far-right nationalism. Is this how you promote political peace and economic prosperity in Europe? Go EU!

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PeteEU

Well you cant have rules that say "everyone but far right nationalists" can you now..... This is not only an EU principle but one that is part of every country in Europe. If the BNP and their "allies" meet the requirements then we cant block their funding.

And I would bet that the BNP is eligible for funding from the UK government if the reached a certain size, now that they are officially following the requirements needed.

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PeteEU

kaya'08

Yes i think that should be said. They have the right to be in the EU parliament, and they have the right to be deprived of being actively funded. Why should the EU fund racist parties? Hiding behind the cover of Democracy and "genuine concern of levels of immigration" is still not acceptable.

The BNP faced being banned from the UK parliament completely without changing their entry requirements (which was whites only). Im against this. But because the very proposition of funding such racist viewpoints and ideologies is on the table, its a different matter entirely. I fail to see how they wouldnt meet the neccessary criteria to be banned from EU funding.

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PeteEU

You just dont get it do you? You are focusing totally on the EU for some reason while ignoring the same principles are used not only in the UK but in most European countries.

If the BNP managed to become a national party, then they too would be eligible for government funds for general elections. And yes the government provides funds for parties in the UK in election seasons... not much but it is still provided. If the BNP managed to get into the UK parliament then they too would be eligible for the same perks as other parties.

Basically you cant discriminate.. it goes against everything we should believe in.

As for requirements for the EU. I believe if the party is accepted in the home country then it is accepted in the EU and in principle you elect the person not the party for the EU. Hence the BNP is accepted in the UK, hence it is accepted in the EU. The BNP has been elected in local elections for decades and it has not been stopped despite them not meeting the basic rules for a political party in the UK. How come nothing was done before now.. before they were elected into the EU parliament in the first place? Instead of blaming the EU, how about looking at your own political establishment and ways?

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PeteEU