There's no doubt about it, it's been a bad night for Labour. I've stayed up watching the results come in with things worse than predicted. Not winning Wales for the first time since 1918 and in the North West, losing 240,000 votes from the last European elections in 2004. This allowed the unspeakable to happen, the BNP got their leader in the European Parliament (one of two from the UK).
The scary thing about this is that I'm not sure whether it really is simply an anti-labour vote or indeed an anti-mainstream party vote; indeed this is what most of the media seem to purport. However, is this simply a denial of reality? The sad truth is, the vote for the BNP might well have been in the full knowledge of all they stand for. If it is the latter, the mainstream parties can no longer skirt around or ignore the BNP but tackle them head on. If they do not, I fear that worse is to come.
I guess the only solace to be gained is that their vote didn't actually increase but it was only through the failure of the other parties, particularly the precipitous fall of Labour, that allowed the BNP to have this foot in the door.
Now people say that you cannot translate directly the votes from European Elections to that of a general election. However, I would not underestimate the significance of these European results. Not only does this win give them more media coverage but also gives them the infrastructure and financial means (as MEPs can hire party members as secretaries etc) to spread propaganda and so forth.
It's certainly a worryingly symbolic turn and a sad day for British politics. I feel ashamed that we're sending such MEPs to the European Parliament but still live in hope that there can be some renewal to be had out of these disastrous results. I must admit, my previous belief that continuing under Gordan Brown has been shaken - I suppose the events that will unfold later on today and the next few days will answer such doubts...I shall have to wait.
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