Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

BNP faces inquiry for 'illegal activity'

Nigel Morris,Home Affairs Correspondent
Wednesday 19 December 2007 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Allegations of "apparent illegal activity and financial irregularities" within the British National Party are being referred to the Metropolitan Police and to the Electoral Commission by a Labour MP.

Jon Cruddas used parliamentary privilege to accuse the far-right party's leadership of bugging suspected critics, money-laundering and failure to submit its accounts on time.

Mr Cruddas, the MP for Dagenham, said he had requested that police investigate the "illegal spying" claims. He also told the Commons he was sending a dossier compiled by the anti-fascist group Searchlight detailing alleged financial irregularities in the BNP to the Electoral Commission.

"This is not the behaviour of a legitimate political party," he said. "The BNP leadership, and Nick Griffin in particular, are showing us their true colours."

In a statement on its website, the BNP said there was "not a shred of truth to the pack of lies submitted by Labour MP Jon Cruddas". It said: "His baseless accusations, made behind the veil of parliamentary privilege, are clearly libellous."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in