LAST month, the Birmingham Post reported that the Conservative Party had put out a leaflet in Northfield, Birmingham, that linked the Conservatives' asylum policies to those of the British National Party.
After a considerable delay, Michael Howard has now authorised a reprimand from Conservative Party co-chairman Liam Fox to the authors of the leaflet.
Mr Howard's rebuke shows the difficulties the Tories are going to have in the forthcoming local and European elections with regard to race.
They are going to be competing with both the BNP and UKIP for the right-wing vote, but how do they sell themselves without "playing the race card'?
The Conservative leaflet also pointed out that the BNP had polled 646 votes, helping to keep a Labour Councillor in office, implying that they believe that those BNP votes should have gone to them.
Green Party MEPs Jean Lambert and Caroline Lucas have publicly condemned extremist groups and have campaigned against the rise of the far right across Europe and in some areas of the UK.
Migrants actually bring money into the UK economy. There is low unemployment, and a need for workers to fill gaps in the labour market.
In our vision of a tolerant and open Europe, there is no room for the intolerance of extreme right-wing forces. We celebrate diversity.
CHRIS LENNARD,
Green Party European Parliamentary,
Candidate, West Midlands Region.
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