Democracy in Broxtowe?

According to his latest newsletter, Broxtowe Labour MP Nick Palmer has challenged his Broxtowe Conservative opponent Anna Soubry to another political debate. According to the Conservatives, Anna Soubry would prefer candidates from all parties to take part. All parties except the BNP it seems. Broxtowe BNP did request an invite to take part in the first debate between Labour, Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, but were turned down flat.

Here is the responses we received..

...from Labour.....

In response to your enquiry, Ms Soubry issued the challenge to me and to Mr Watts, and we have both accepted. Since the BNP did not stand here at the last election or any previous Parliamentary election, it would have been odd to invite them, and not to invite other parties (Greens, UKIP, Veritas) who did. The panel represents the parties who have councillors in the constituency; as you know, the BNP failed to win any seats here at the borough elections, though your former colleague Ms Graham won in an Ashfield ward.

Thank you for informing me of the BNP's intention to stand here at the next election.

Nick Palmer


....and from the Conservative corner...

I have nothing to add to Nicks entirely accurate assessment of why I chose to challenge him and a representative of the Lib Dems.
Thanks for the email (s).

Anna Soubry


A pretty lame excuse if ever we've heard it. Judging by the latest Broxtowe Labour Party newsletter being circulated by Nick Palmer, they would only plan to debate with opponents of their choosing, no doubt on issues of their choosing.

To quote Nick Palmer....

She (Anna Soubry) accepted at the time, but subsequently I was told by the Conservatives that she would not agree to debate me on my own, and would prefer candidates from all parties to take part. I'd rather not organise a meeting with the BNP (I'm not one of those who tries to stop them speaking, but I draw the line at actually helping them get an audience), so we compromised on further three-party meetings.

Towards the end of 2007, Labour held a public meeting in Beeston, Nottingham on the controversial subject of Immigration. During this meeting, the guest speaker, Labour MP John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, told the audience (which included a handful local BNP representatives) that Britain should be doing a lot more for asylum seekers as the British people do not give nearly enough. Nick Palmer agreed that immigration was defintely a hot topic in Britain, but was unsure whether this was because there was too much, or too little of it.

This being the case Nick we would suggest the BNP be invited along to enlighten you. What are you afraid of? With the recent defection to the BNP of ex Labour Chairman of Ashfield District Council, Edward Holmes and former Chairman of Ashfield Conservative Association, the old excuses, the BNP are knuckle-dragging skinheads resorting to intimidation, no longer wash. You know very well they are simply a cross section of society voicing the concerns of the British people today.

Red, White and Blue 2008

2008’s Red White and Blue Festival has to be, on all accounts, the most successful yet, despite the extreme left wing and media campaign to stop it.

Several comments I have read claim that there were only a handful of people attended this year because there were only a few cars parked in the field which is used as car park. Wishful thinking on their part, the simple truth is that an extra field was made available this year for camping which meant many attendees were able to park their cars alongside their caravans and tents. From what I've heard, the number of wristbands sold throughout the entire weekend was well over 3,000.

This year the Broxtowe stall included a selection of soft drinks, fresh fruit (supplied locally) and gollywogs, (which caused so much of a stir they managed to get a mention in the Sunday Star) together with Charnwood, Derby, North Kesteven, Melton, Leicestershire, North West Leicestershire, Ashfield, Amber Valley and East Lindsey, the East Midlands Region managed to scoop second prize for the most varied marquee. Plans are already being made to go for first place next year. Watch this space.

As the East Midlands marquee was situated right next to the Political tent, it was easier to keep popping in and out to hear the guest speakers whilst serving the steady stream of customers throughout the weekend. Along with Simon Darby’s opening address, the few political speeches we did manage to catch, from Richard Barnbrook, Arthur Kemp and Marc Abramsson from the National Democrats Party in Sweden, were outstanding. Apologies for not having a more detailed report of the weekend, we were kept extremely busy running the stall, which meant we didn’t get to visit other marquee’s. Broxtowe did manage to make a small profit, which will be put towards next year’s elections.

Even though the event had to eventually go ahead without a music or alcohol licence, there was entertainment galore, the ever popular Morris Men, fire-eating, a Punch and Judy for the children, tug of war, to name but a few. Despite a few spots of rain, the Saturday night was highlighted by the spectacular firework display by Stuart and Wendy Russell.

The whole weekend was rounded off with the entrance of Nick at his closing speech riding on the Truth Truck which was unveiled on Sunday afternoon. Nick’s speech was as rousing as ever and the site of him wiping away a few stray tears as he belted out Jerusalem, didn’t go unnoticed.

If you didn’t manage to make this year’s event, make sure you come along next year, you will be glad you did!