Menu
20/10/2009
Army 'Hijacked' By Right-Wing Extremists
The reputation of the British armed forces is in danger of being "hijacked" by right-wing political extremists, a high-profile group of former military chiefs has warned.
The group, which includes two former heads of the Army - General Sir Mike Jackson and General Sir Richard Dannatt - have written a letter which warns that such extremists are seeking to "hijack the good name of Britain's military" and that the values of right-wing groups were "fundamentally at odds" with the values of the British military.
Although the letter does not specifically name the British National Party, the party recently used wartime imagery, including pictures of Winston Churchil, as well as a picture of a Spitfire, alongside the words "Battle for Britain", in their recent European election campaign.
Speaking to The Times, General Jackson highlighted the BNP's campaign, saying: "The BNP is claiming that it has a better relationship with the armed forces than other political parties. How dare they use the Army, in particular, to promote their policies. These people are beyond the pale."
However, during an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, General Jackson stressed that the group were not targeting specific political parties and said that this was "in no sense a party political issue", but was instead about "the reputation and good name of Britain's armed forces".
BNP leader Nick Griffin has previously said that his party campaigned on behalf of British Army veterans, irrespective of their ethnic background.
(KMcA/BMcC)
The group, which includes two former heads of the Army - General Sir Mike Jackson and General Sir Richard Dannatt - have written a letter which warns that such extremists are seeking to "hijack the good name of Britain's military" and that the values of right-wing groups were "fundamentally at odds" with the values of the British military.
Although the letter does not specifically name the British National Party, the party recently used wartime imagery, including pictures of Winston Churchil, as well as a picture of a Spitfire, alongside the words "Battle for Britain", in their recent European election campaign.
Speaking to The Times, General Jackson highlighted the BNP's campaign, saying: "The BNP is claiming that it has a better relationship with the armed forces than other political parties. How dare they use the Army, in particular, to promote their policies. These people are beyond the pale."
However, during an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, General Jackson stressed that the group were not targeting specific political parties and said that this was "in no sense a party political issue", but was instead about "the reputation and good name of Britain's armed forces".
BNP leader Nick Griffin has previously said that his party campaigned on behalf of British Army veterans, irrespective of their ethnic background.
(KMcA/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 July 2004
Public views urged for future of political broadcasts
The public are being asked for their views on the future of Party Political Broadcasts. The consultation paper published today plans to ensure the current system is right for the multi-channel age. Current arrangements for Party Political Broadcasts date back to 1924.
Public views urged for future of political broadcasts
The public are being asked for their views on the future of Party Political Broadcasts. The consultation paper published today plans to ensure the current system is right for the multi-channel age. Current arrangements for Party Political Broadcasts date back to 1924.
23 June 2003
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
13 April 2010
Conservatives Launch Election Manifesto
The Conservative Party has launched its manifesto entitled 'an Invitation to join the Government of Britain'. Tory Leader David Cameron claimed the document is "not like any previous manifesto you've seen from a British political party".
Conservatives Launch Election Manifesto
The Conservative Party has launched its manifesto entitled 'an Invitation to join the Government of Britain'. Tory Leader David Cameron claimed the document is "not like any previous manifesto you've seen from a British political party".
20 April 2012
Chinese Police 'Covered Up Murder'
The BBC has learned from a senior Chinese journalist that police knew UK man Neil Heywood had been murdered in Chongqing last November and that a cover-up began immediately. The British businessman was found dead in a hotel in Chongqing on 15 November 2011.
Chinese Police 'Covered Up Murder'
The BBC has learned from a senior Chinese journalist that police knew UK man Neil Heywood had been murdered in Chongqing last November and that a cover-up began immediately. The British businessman was found dead in a hotel in Chongqing on 15 November 2011.
17 October 2008
Cameron Attacks Labour Over Economy 'Failure'
Conservative Leader David Cameron has launched an attack on Prime Minister Gordon Brown saying he "cannot hide" from his responsibility for Britain's current economic crisis.
Cameron Attacks Labour Over Economy 'Failure'
Conservative Leader David Cameron has launched an attack on Prime Minister Gordon Brown saying he "cannot hide" from his responsibility for Britain's current economic crisis.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
