UPDATED: Crawley MP concerned by "secret" BNP Christmas party

TOWN MP Laura Moffatt has voiced concern over a "secret" event planned by the British National Party.

The News understands the right-wing group is holding its south-east regional Christmas party in Crawley on Saturday.

It is thought BNP members have been told to meet in a car park before the real venue is announced.

In a statement issued today (Thursday), Mrs Moffatt said: "All political parties hold social events at Christmas and throughout the year.

"In my experience such events are openly advertised to members and supporters. I have never experienced people being invited to meet in a car park in order to be given the secret venue. What are they ashamed of?"

She added: "I'm sorry they have chosen our town. Crawley has a really strong interfaith community and generally excellent multi cultural community relations.

"We value the contribution our minority communities make to the town.

"I would much prefer that the BNP had decided to hold their party elsewhere."

The BNP has changed its Christmas party location following plans for a demonstration by anti-BNP campaigners.

A BNP spokeswoman said: "We were aware that an intervention would take place so our party will go ahead at a different venue."

On Mrs Moffatt's comments, the spokeswoman added: "She asks why we are meeting at a different location and then going to the venue itself.

"If we were to publicise it we would have far left extremists coming and demonstrating outside.

"What right does Mrs Moffatt have to dictate to any legal political party when and where they can hold their Christmas party?"

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