Nick Griffin came... but why didn't Gordon Brown?

9:10am Wednesday 11th November 2009

By Scott McPherson

THE LEADER of the far-right British National Party caused outrage when he turned up at the repatriation of six soldiers in Wootton Bassett yesterday – and handed out business cards.

Despite whisperings that Prime Minister Gordon Brown was due to attend the ceremony, it was Nick Griffin who put in an appearance, much to the disgust of local people.

The BNP chairman, who has infamously described the Holocaust of the Jews as a “Holohoax”, mingled with the crowds and war veterans as the cortege passed through the town. He was also seen on a street corner handing out cards from his wallet.

Sarah Winters, who has lived in Wootton Bassett all her life, said: “This is appalling – what a disgusting man. What would he have done if the soldiers being brought home were black or Indian? How dare he use this as a political tool – he is stamping all over the raw grief of families. He should be ashamed.”

As word spread of Mr Griffin’s presence at the ceremony, more people gathered on the opposite side of the road to stare in disbelief. Police officers patrolled the area where he was standing.

Harry Bartham, 81, who lives in Swindon, branded Mr Griffin’s actions as a “sick sideshow”.

He said: “I have been to every repatriation and no MPs have ever shown up, and out of everyone we would have expected, he is the last.

“He has a disregard for human feeling and should feel ashamed. This is not political. What these families have to go through is terrible – the worst day of their lives and they have him stood opposite trying to sell his party.”

Mr Griffin was surrounded by burly men in black coats but he still spoke to members of the public who recognised him.

He said: “I am not here to talk about politics – it is not appropriate. I wanted to come here today because this is the second worst toll to be coming through and because tomorrow is Remembrance Day.

“It’s an absolutely tremendous and very moving display. It’s been very low key, I’ve been talking to many people and it’s been very friendly”.

Mr Griffin recently hit the headlines with his appearance on Question Time, which is due to be filmed in Wootton Bassett on December 10.

Retired warrant officer Derek Fairfoot, from Lyneham, said Mr Griffin had every right to be there.

He said: “I do not agree with what he stands for and believes in but he has a right to be here like everyone else. I would have preferred Gordon Brown but he still won’t show up here – I think that is more out of order than Mr Griffin showing up.”