Well, that was a disaster. Britain are now not sending one, but two representatives of the ‘Bastard Nazi Party’ to the European Parliament. Because I know the mood is going to be a little grim, I thought I’d share 5 reasons that perhaps this isn’t so much of an unmitigated disaster as it might look. Some silver linings in the clouds. So, here they are:

1. It’s Only Europe

Individual MEPs actually have very very little power over, well, anything. The problem with having a BNP candidate is not the introduction of fascism into Europe (and we’re far from the only country to have a nationalist and socialist party appearing in Brussels); it’s the national embarrassment and the loss of the moral high ground that really stings.

We now have five years coming in which Britain is partially represented by racists and fascists, but at least they won’t be any more effective pushing their politics on us than any of the other MEPs have been. It may be a first step towards Westminster, but it’s a baby step at most, and they won’t make it much further.

2. ‘No Platform’ is Over

The disingenuous idea that we should simply ignore the BNP and refuse to give them a platform is, by necessity, gone. I’ve always disagreed with ‘no platform’, as it simply prevents those who might be convinced by the BNP from ever hearing the counter-arguments against them. They’ll also have…

3. Exactly Enough Rope to Hang Themselves

More publicity for that swivel eyed mad man who leads the BNP is not going to be a good thing for them. The more the BNP appear on the radio and the TV, the more they’ll be exposed as the… erm… unlovely people that they are. I’ve always had a problem with the ‘intellectual hand-wringing’ approach many use toward the BNP. Hopefully we’ll see an end to this and an actual robust challenge made to their politics. This can only be a good thing.

4. The BNP’s Vote Actually Went Down This Year

In comparison with the last European election, it may surprise you to learn that the amount of votes cast for the BNP actually went downwards, after the highest publicity and most costly campaign they’ve ever run.

Voters are not the same thing as party members, and many of them have their own reasons for voting BNP, such as ‘sending a message’. Only a miniscule amount of people agree with the BNPs politics, and it seems that number is actually declining. Which means…

5. This Is Labour’s Failure

Labour have been given such a kicking that it’s hard to believe. In many parts of the nation, Labour has come fifth. In Cornwall, they came sixth – behind the Cornish Nationalists!

The truth is, the BNP’s so-called ‘rise’ is actually the utter failure of Labour. Disenfranchised Labour supporters have been placed in a position where their chosen party is utterly unelectable, but the main opposition – either the Tories or Lib Dems – don’t represent them. They’re left with a choice between staying home or voting BNP.

The reason it being Labour’s failure is important is because Labour aren’t going to win the next election. This form of errant populist socialism tends to take the path of least resistance, and when there’s a Tory government to oppose, Labour will see its support rise while the BNP watch their vote share plummet.