Billy Bragg, Carl Barat and Pete Doherty are amongst those who have signed an open letter to London's Irish community urging them not to vote for the BNP in the upcoming Mayoral election. You might wonder why they should aim it at the Irish in particular - well, apparently the BNP have been targeting the Irish community in London with a leaflet which claims that the BNP "is the only party who care about the Irish. Our jobs are under threat from economic migrants and only the BNP will stop this. The BNP value [sic] the Irish community and will defend their interests."
The letter, issued by Rock Against Racism and signed by MPs, union types and sportsmen as well as musicians, was published yesterday - St Patrick's Day - and says "We believe that the BNP remains an inherently racist organisation; their past and present is based not on nationalism or patriotism, but fascism. The Irish community in Britain and especially in London has a long history of involvement in anti-fascist and anti-racist activities. Everyone who rejects the BNP's politics of hate has the duty to do everything they can to stop them. We urge the Irish community and all communities in London to reject the politics of division and hate in May."