BNP GATCRASHES “RIVERS OF BLOOD” ANNIVERSARY

21-04-2007

BNP leader Nick Griffin “gatecrashed” the 40th anniversary of Enoch Powell’s infamous “Rivers of Blood” speech yesterday by watching a bizarre re-enactment at the city’s Burlington Hotel – the same venue which hosted the original meeting in 1968.

Former BNP parliamentary candidate Peter Mullins - who once stood in Powell's Wolverhampton South West constituency - recited the racist rant in full before breaking down in tears, much to the gratification on Griffin and about 20 of his cronies.

The far-right leader entered the building while guests from an earlier function organised by the Commission for Equalities and Human Rights were still finishing lunch.

Given that this much larger group included people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds who had gathered to hear a speech by the Commission’s Chair Sir Trevor Philips, it’s no surprise that one observer described Griffin’s presence as “provocative, to say the least.”

Fortunately, there was no trouble, but it begs the question of whether management at the Burlington – previously known as the Midland Hotel - were aware of the BNP’s booking on such a sensitive date.

We’ve been told by one source that staff did know – but have been unable to confirm this.

When we contacted the Burlington last night, a duty manager told us to contact Head Office tomorrow, then put down the phone on us.

A night manager simply said, “no comment”.

Maxi Hayles, chair of Birmingham’s Racial Attacks Monitoring Unit and who was there for Philips speech, said that if the Burlington knowingly accepted the BNP’s booking, it was “totally irresponsible”.

He added: “I’d like to think that they didn’t know. It’s just crazy. I’m shocked at the idea. There could have been trouble.”

Ironically, Philips had celebrated the defeat of racist politics in Britain in spite of the Powell’s dire predictions.

But he also warned that although “immigration is part of our future”, it’s also creating a “creeping resentment” which needs to be addressed.

He said: “I believe the more we talk about immigration the better.”

To see Sir Trevor Philip’s speech in full, click here then discuss it on The Stirrer Forum.