BNP plan Blackpool gathering in secret

The precise venue for a conference reportedly being held by the far-right British National Party (BNP) on 25 and 26 November in Blackpool remained shrouded in secrecy as Labour Research went to press.

The BNP announced the conference on its website prompting declarations of "a massive and energetic response" from the local group of the union-sponsored Unite Against Fascism (UAF).

BNP organisers claimed that around 600 will attend the conference, but told local media that even delegates won't know where the mystery hotel is until the last minute - for fear of reprisals from anti-fascist campaigners.

However, president of Merseyside trades council Alec McFadden said he believed the number of 600 "is over-hyped and we believe the BNP has created a smokescreen in order to hold a much smaller conference in Blackpool".

A spokesperson for Lancaster UAF, which covers Blackpool, said that if the BNP did come to Blackpool "they should expect a massive and energetic response from UAF and all who oppose them".

Leader of Blackpool Council Roy Fisher said the BNP were not welcome in the town and all efforts would be made to prevent the conference taking place.

He urged any hotels hosting the conference to reconsider their decision. "If there are any powers the council can use to stop this conference coming to Blackpool, then they will be considered closely," he concluded.