Welsh Lib Dems to attack BNP and promote benefits of a "diverse Wales"

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 11th Oct 2007

The Welsh Liberal Democrats will kick-off their conference on Saturday with a stinging attack on the British National Party. Responding to the increase in the far-right party's vote at the Assembly Elections, the Lib Dems will debate a motion "condemning the racist politics of the BNP" and calling on Lib Dems at all levels to work against prejudice and racism.

The party is likely to agree that "a multicultural and diverse society brings economic, social and cultural benefits to Wales". The motion also sets a challenge for all parties in the Assembly, saying that it's their duty to tackle the politics of fear and "address the feeling of social exclusion felt by many communities".

Peter Black, social justice spokesperson for the party, said:

"The campaigns of the BNP are based on misinformation and prejudice. Unfortunately mainstream parties aren't doing enough to work with communities to tackle the injustices and the sort of issues that alienate people from the political system, and that means that some turn to the BNP.

"It's our duty to expose the racism of the BNP. I believe that a diverse Wales is a strong Wales. It brings economic and cultural benefits. The politics of fear will not solve problems in our poorest communities. It only serves to divide people and society and weaken our potential as a country.

"Welsh Lib Dem-led Wrexham Council is doing good work through its 'One Wrexham' project. It promotes and encourages organisations in the community to be positive about equality and diversity. That work should be an example for other councils and the Assembly Government."

On inclusion, Mr Black added:

"It is also our duty to persuade communities that we are addressing their concerns on housing, jobs and social deprivation that the BNP use to recruit support.

"Leading four councils and with significant influence in others the Welsh Lib Dems are a party of government who can and are making a difference to people's lives. We should not allow the politics of opportunism and fear to undermine that good work."

Notes/Nodiadau:

The motion will be debated in the first session of conference on Saturday at 10.00am. Peter Black will move the motion on behalf of the party's national policy committee.

The full text of the motion reads:

Cynnig/Motion: Multiculturalism

(Pwyllgor Polisi Cenedlaethol/National Policy Committee)

Conference notes with concern:

1) The rise of the BNP vote at the Welsh General Election in May.

2) That the BNP received over 5% of the vote on the regional list in both South Wales West and North Wales.

3) That according to the director of the Commission for Racial Equality in Wales "a significant proportion of the electorate feel so alienated from democratic and responsible politics that they should turn to a party which is based on racism".

Conference welcomes:

1) The work being done by Welsh Liberal Democrat-led Wrexham Council to promote good relationships between everyone who resides or works in the county borough through its "One Wrexham" initiative.

2) The Charter of Belonging promoted by Wrexham council, encouraging public bodies, voluntary and community organisations and businesses to make a positive and meaningful statement about equalities and respect for diversity.

Conference believes:

1) That the good work being done by Wrexham Council should be an example for other local authorities and the Assembly Government.

2) That a multicultural and diverse society brings economic, social and cultural benefits to Wales.

3) It's the duty of mainstream political parties to tackle the politics of fear promoted by the BNP and address the feeling of social exclusion felt by many communities.

Conference therefore:

1) Condemns the racist politics of the BNP and their campaigns based on misinformation and prejudice.

2) Calls on Welsh Liberal Democrats at all levels to work with communities to tackle social exclusion and against prejudice and racism.

3) Calls for improved relationships and arrangements between schools with different ethnic or social mixes of pupils, so children have opportunities to experience different ethnic and religious backgrounds at an early age.