BNP to amend its constitution, court told

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The British National Party will amend its constitution so its rules on membership do not discriminate on the grounds of race or religion, a court was told today.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission issued County Court proceedings against the far-right party on 24 August after voicing concerns its membership criteria were restrictive to those within certain ethnic groups.

Robin Allen QC, counsel for the Commission, said party leader Nick Griffin had agreed to present party members with a revised constitution at its general meeting next month.

He added that the party had agreed not to accept any new members until the new constitution was in place.

In an order issued at the Central London County Court, the BNP agreed to use "all reasonable endeavours" to revise its constitution so it did not discriminate on what are termed "protected characteristics" in clause four of the Equality Bill.

These include race, gender and religious belief.

John Wadham, of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: "We are pleased the party has conceded this case and agreed to all of the Commission requirements. Political parties, like any other organisation, are obliged to respect the law and not discriminate against people.

"It is unfortunate the BNP spent several months before conceding and dealing properly with our legal requirements. We will be monitoring the BNP's compliance with this court order on membership, and its other legal obligations, including to its constituents."

Chris Roberts, the party's eastern regional spokesman, said it was too early to say how the proposed rule change would affect its membership.

He said: "I cannot speculate as to who will join our party when our constitution changes.

"I just believe its another obstacle thrown into our way by the Lib-Lab-Con elite that now we are taking votes from them they are trying to put us out of business."

The court heard Mr Griffin would be given 10 days to submit a signed undertaking confirming the proposed changes.

The case was adjourned until 28 January.