33 BNP members live in Rochdale

Mohammed Shafiq, the self-styled 'Chief Executive' of the Ramadan Foundation says 33 members of the BNP reside in Rochdale, and expresses his concern that some of these may be in the public sector and, if so, has called on Rochdale Council to take action.

Mr Shafiq said: "Continued membership of the BNP is not compatible with the values and ethos of public service. Furthermore these people will not be able to meet the requirement under the Race Relations Amendment Act to promote good relations between different communities and provide a fair and equal service to minority communities.

He continued: “It is deeply worrying, some of them live in the midst of the diverse communities in our borough and the revealing of these people is a moment to identify any public servants.

He praised the new Chief Constable of Greater Manchester police Peter Fahy for his forthright and clear condemnation of the BNP, but called on the Government to identify from the leaked BNP memebrship list public sectors workers including police officers, teachers and army staff to ensure that they are "dismissed from their jobs".

He added: "How can these racists provide equal service to minority communities when they promote hatred for these people in our diverse society? Let’s see action now from the Government. Now is the time for real action to prove that there can be no place for racists and fascists in our public services”