RALPH Musgrave may be right (HAS, June 20). It is not strictly accurate to describe the BNP as a fascist organisation.
Although its doctrines derive directly from the fascist regimes of Mussolini, Franco and Hitler, the BNP has little public support and no chance of ever gaining power, so it is not in a position to implement the authoritarian, militaristic, and anti-democratic policies of those regimes.
Furthermore, since it undeservedly enjoys the privilege of operating in a liberal democracy, it would be foolish for the BNP to oppose the system which allows it to pursue its nefarious aims.
The correct words to describe the ideology of the BNP are “racist” and “neo-Nazi”. In deference to Mr Musgrave, I will avoid using the “fascist” label in future.
Pete Winstanley, Durham.
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