‘Use your vote to keep out extremists’

OLDHAMERS are being urged to keep extremists at bay by using their vote in the European elections next Thursday.

The Oldham Inter-faith Forum, representing several different faith communities, said residents should not withhold their vote.

As the European elections are held under a system of proportional representation, it is easier for smaller parties to gain seats than the first-past-the-post method used in local elections.

The forum fears that the British National Party (BNP) could make gains if people do not vote.

Father Phil Sumner, forum spokesman, said: “The BNP needs only 8.5 per cent of the votes cast to gain a seat in the North-West England constituency of the European Parliament, so if the turnout is low fewer actual votes will be needed to reach the 8.5 per cent.”

Following the recent row over MPs’ expenses, the forum said many people might want to withhold their vote as a protest.

But the forum warned that if the BNP had a seat, it would then be able to link up with extremist parties from other countries.

Father Sumner added: “Oldham is a diverse community and we are proud of all our citizens.

“Our diversity is a strength and we need to do all we can to maintain it.

“The far right BNP is campaigning to dismantle, disrupt and fragment our society.

“The Forum rejects the denomination of any part of our community on the basis of faith or race, and refutes the claims of the BNP to speak for the Christian faith.

“Their message is a travesty of the Christian faith, an insult to other faiths and a danger to the harmony of our borough.”


Book a place at election count

TICKETS are available for Oldhamers wanting to view the forthcoming European Elections verification and count processes.

Members of the public are allowed to view both the verification of the ballot papers at 10pm on June 4 as well as the actual count being held at 6.30pm on June 7. Both are being held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, West Street, Oldham and anyone wanting to attend must obtain a ticket to gain access.

Charlie Parker, chief executive and local returning officer, said: “All elections are open to scrutiny by anyone interested and these European elections are no different.

“However, for reason of security and accountability, it is important that people apply in advance as there will be no entrance on the day without a valid ticket.”

Tickets can be applied for in writing from the Elections Office, Room 222, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UL or by e-mailing the elections manager at justine.davie@oldham.gov.uk

Requests needs to state the name and address of the person applying and whether a ticket is required for the Thursday verification session the Sunday count or for both, as separate tickets will be issued.

Tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.