No Commons pass for BNP's Griffin

BNP leader Nick Griffin will no longer be entitled to a House of Commons pass following a decision taken by MPs.

Mr Griffin and his fellow party MEP Andrew Brons will not get access to Parliament following moves late last night in the Commons.

Britain's MEPs did have an automatic right to enter Parliament but now this has been taken away and they will in future have to apply for permission or be escorted by a Member.

Labour MPs have called for the change, particularly as it would prevent Mr Griffin being allowed automatic access now he is an MEP.

Labour's John Mann (Bassetlaw), who tabled a Commons motion calling for the move, said he was "delighted" at the decision.

He told the Press Association: "People are delighted that the BNP will be kept out of Parliament.

"We don't need racists in here - they are not legitimate politicians.

"Why should decent staff have to be catering for and cleaning up after people who do not believe they should even be in this country?"