Last week, The Northern Echo published an article by Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman, addressing her fears of the rise of the far right in her constituency.

Here, Adam Walker, subject of Ms Goodman’s piece and a member of the British National Party, from Spennymoor, who stood in the Durham county elections, responds.

‘I AM a hard-working man and I have worked since I was 12 years old. I have spent time in the Armed Forces, living in Germany, Cyprus, Egypt and Israel.

“I was prepared to fight and die for my country if called upon to do so. I have travelled to many different countries since I was 16 and have seen some wonderful things and experienced many different cultures.

“For six years, I lived and worked as a teacher in Japan, where I studied karate – I eventually ended up teaching karate to the Japanese in their own language.

“I learned about their unique culture and way of life, often spending time at Buddhist retreats. I also married a Japanese woman. I still maintain contact with the Japanese friends I made while studying my art.

“As a result of my travels, I value the beauty and diversity of many different cultures. It is from the indepth, secure and confident knowledge of my own culture that I am able to see both the underlying unity as well as the differences that make our world so fascinating – and sometimes challenging!

“I am a member of The Greenways Residents’ Association, located in Spennymoor, where I play an active role within my community, often taking part in meetings and clean-ups in our local area – actions that make our community a better place and benefit the people who surround me. I would encourage everyone to do this.

“I also run a well-respected martial arts club in Spennymoor in my spare time. The lives of many of the children who attend my club have changed for the better as a result of the way the classes are taught.

“One of them has recently been shortlisted in the top three for The Northern Echo Local Heroes awards.

Many of my students currently hold both English and British titles in our unique style of full-contact karate.

“As a fully-qualified teacher with experience of many different situations, I believe there is room in teaching for people of all political affiliations.

“Diversity of opinion is something that makes us a democracy. Teachers have the same rights to freedom of expression and association as any other member of the community.

“The McCarthy-style witch-hunt now being waged by so-called Socialists would establish dangerous precedents if implemented.

“My trade union, Solidarity, will fight tooth and nail to preserve these human rights in the workplace and wider community.

“In May this year, I was 129 votes short of winning a seat on the new unitary council. I believe that many of the more intolerant views expressed by Labour MPs such as Helen Goodman are motivated by fear of competition from the BNP.

“County Durham is not Labour’s fiefdom and attempts to persecute and harass individuals who challenge them simply show why they need to be replaced in the first place.”