Hain speaks out against National Front candidate for Swansea

MP for Neath Peter Hain has reacted strongly to the news that a candidate representing the National Front is to stand in a council by-election in Llansamlet, Swansea on July 4th.

According to Mr Hain, ‘Under the guise of respectability and in claiming to want to act in the best interests of our community, there is a real danger that Claire Thomas and her ilk will poison our democratic processes to the detriment of the minority groups that make a positive contribution to our society.’

A committed anti-apartheid activist, Mr Hain has also long been a vocal opponent of racist ideologies in Britain, including the National Front and the British National Party. Honorary President of Unite against Fascism in Wales, Mr Hain was present at the counter-demonstration held by the UAF in response to the White Pride Day organised by the South Wales NF in Swansea last March.

Mr Hain says, ‘In times of austerity, extreme parties often resort to using minority groups as a scapegoat for our economic hardships. Such tactics seek to spread anger and division in our communities, and must not be allowed to continue unchallenged.’

‘Swansea is a tolerant city that celebrates cultural diversity. It is vital that we unite as a community and show the National Front that the whole of South Wales is a no-go area for racists, fascists and Nazis.’