Steve Bettley _320
The police statement said: “As a matter of urgency, we have immediately started an investigation into all aspects of this case. We will be keeping an open mind until all of the facts have been established.”
Peter Fahy, Acpo’s workforce development spokesman and former Cheshire Chief Constable, said: “Membership or promotion of the BNP by any member of the police service, whether police officer or police staff, is prohibited.”
However, although it is not illegal for teachers to be members of the BNP, Chris Keates, general secretary of the NAS/UWT teachers’ union, said the union “has long held the view that those who declare their affiliation to the BNP should not be allowed to work in the teaching profession or in public services”.
She said: “The union has been campaigning for provisions in teaching contracts, similar to those for police and prison officers, which prevents them being members of the BNP.”
The list also includes serving Army officers, including at least two with addresses in Merseyside and dozens of ex-service personnel, with three from the Merseyside and Cheshire areas.
There are also two teachers, one apiece from Merseyside and Cheshire, as well as businessmen, plus a number of family memberships and numerous people described as “activists”.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said yesterday it had received a voluntary referral from Merseyside Police about the case, but decided that it does not need to be involved in the investigation.
Ms Naseem Malik, IPCC Commissioner for the North West, said: “I have every confidence that Merseyside Police will investigate this matter thoroughly.
“The national policies are clear that membership of the BNP is incompatible with the requirements of the role of a police officer and I know Merseyside Police will act robustly if necessary.”
Last night, BNP spokesman Simon Darby insisted the publication of the list on the internet was politically motivated, and “has gone from being a privacy story to a political one”.
He said members had been harassed since their details had been made public, and complaints were being made to relevant police forces.
But he tried to put a brave face on it, insisting it would “bring the party closer together”.
And he said legal advice would be offered “should it come to that” for any member whose job was threatened as a result of the list’s publication.
The Merseyside Black Police Association (MBPA) last night called for due process to be allowed to take place and supported police efforts “to ensure the safety and security of those who it feels may be at risk as a result of being associated with the BNP as a result of the publication” of the list.
But the organisation added that “the aims and objectives of the BNP are totally incompatible with the duties and values of the British police service”.
In a statement, the MBPA said: “To reassure the people of Merseyside, MBPA believes that where it can be proven and is satisfied that a Police Officer or Police Staff member is a member or supportive of the aims and objectives of the British National Party, they should be dismissed from service.”
