BY THE EDITOR JUST as our print edition went to press, a list dropped into the Editor s inbox of all British National Party members in England. Some deft handiwork soon produced names and addresses of some 40 members in Wisbech, March, Chatteris and the

BY THE EDITOR

JUST as our print edition went to press, a list dropped into the Editor's inbox of all British National Party members in England.

Some deft handiwork soon produced names and addresses of some 40 members in Wisbech, March, Chatteris and the Fens.

And thereby hangs a dilemma- to publish and be damned or to check out each and every name for comment or not to publish at all?

Linda Kelly of Four Gotes, Wisbech, had no qualms about her membership being widely reported, though she agreed with her party leader that its leaking was a "disgraceful act of treachery."

Mrs Kelly said:" I'm proud to be a member. It's time something was done in this country to wake up the politicians. The BNP is what it says- the British National party. It's about Britain for British people- we would like our own country back."

She says that Wisbech has a thriving branch, but meetings are not advertised and is by "private invitation."

However the issue has wider and substantial ramifications for among the BNP list of supporters nationwide is a serving police officer and a radio journalist has already lost his job through his membership being more widely known.

Here in the Fens we have electricians, builders, office workers and even a retired Metropolitan policeman on the list.

Membership of the BNP is, and remains, a highly contentious issue so here's our challenge. If you're a member and believe we have your name on this list, email the editor and tell him know what you think.

Peter Roberts, Labour's Parliamentary spokesman for NE Cambs, says: "Everyone is entitled to their beliefs, but I think the high number of BNP members in Fenland serves as an apt warning just months ahead of the European Elections.

"Where the BNP are in touching distance of gaining an MEP if turnout is low. Parties that oppose the BNP have a duty to deal with immigration sensitively and not to play to populism and misinformed ignorance."

Let us know what you think: email john.elworthy@archant.co.uk