US white supremacist barred from UK

An American white supremacist was stopped from entering the country to attend a controversial BNP festival this weekend, it emerged today.

Preston Wiginton was turned back at Heathrow Airport when he arrived for the party's Red, White and Blue Festival in Derbyshire, which starts today.

A UK Border Agency spokesman said Mr Wiginton was turned back at Heathrow Airport and sent back to New York as it was believed his presence in the UK could stir up racial tension.

He said he could not confirm reports that Mr Wiginton, who has links with BNP leader Nick Griffin, was due to speak at the festival.

A Home Office spokesman said: "The Government opposes extremism in all its forms and we will prevent those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country."

Today the BNP denied reports that Mr Wiginton was due to speak at the festival.

Deputy leader Simon Darby said: "I know Preston, he is an American chap. He came to last year's Red, White and Blue and was coming to this year's but they wouldn't let him in for some reason.

"He wasn't coming to speak."