Royston, I understand what you are saying and have total sympathy with your aims. With the best will in the world, however, I really don't think it is going to happen. Even if you could take over the 'democratic' processes of the BNP, these people would still exist and peddle their filth. The BNP is the 'legal' iceberg of the racist movement – a much bigger portion exists below the surface.

I can draw an analogy with something I have been involved in trying to stamp out: foxhunting/dog fighting/ badger baiting. Pretty much the same people are involved in all these activities and whilst it is easy to protest about the first – the public face of a bloodthirsty brigade - and engage in public debate, it is very dangerous to try to infiltrate the organisations that control the other two aspects. Like the racists, they are violent in the extreme, seem often to escape the law and are highly organised. Believe me, it would take some guts to infiltrate the inner core of the racist movement (although I'm sure it is being done) and then there has to be a very clear agenda and plan of action.

The BNP is where the racist boil erupts and the pus emerges to the surface – and can be dealt with. Without that, the infection could spread even more virulently.