European elections: Extremists' success due to mainstream failures

For the first time, the right-wing extremist British National Party (BNP) has garnered two seats in the European elections. The Financial Times writes that its success can be put down to the inability of the mainstream parties to speak to the white working class: "There is no chance that the BNP will win a seat in the Commons, much less a position of national authority. This election is not a milestone on the road to serfdom. But the BNP foments - and relies on - local racial tension. Even a long way from power, the party is a deeply malign influence on British life. Reducing the damage the BNP can do will require the UK's mainstream parties to overcome their inability to reach the white working class. This, in particular, means making sure that the welfare system is believed to be fair. Perceived injustice is the root of the hatred on which the BNP relies."

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