Sir, I have received, unsolicited, from the leader of the British National Party, a 12-page document supposedly setting out details of crimes against whites committed by other ethnic groups.

One intended effect will be to increase racism in general and Islamophobia, in particular. When the document describes gang rape and teenage grooming, it says: “One community, however, is different. Wherever there are large numbers of young Muslim men, groups of them team up to lure girls — often as young as twelve or thirteen — into a nightmare world of sexual abuse, rape, beatings, drug addiction and prostitution . . . the Muslim sex gangs . . . never target girls from their own community.” The pamphlet also claims that there is a refusal by “Muslim leaders to condemn what is going on”.

To suggest that gang rape is a normal feature of Muslim male life and that Muslim leaders tolerate it, is not only untrue, but is designed to fan the flames of racial and religious hatred. It is certainly immoral and ought to merit criminal prosecution as well.

Bruce Kent

Vice-President, Pax Christi

London NW4

Sir, As someone who fought the BNP in Oldham as the Conservative candidate at a general election (2001), I am dismayed at the reactions to the publication of the BNP’s membership list (reports, Nov 20), especially when it was found to reveal the names of serving police officers, soldiers and so on. It has revealed the illogical, inconsistent and counterproductive nature of our response to the threat posed by parties such as the BNP.

Either they must be banned as a political party on the grounds that they incite racial hatred and violence, or they should be left alone to make their own dismal way in the democratic system.

Unless police officers who are members of the BNP participate in illegal activities, then by definition mere membership of a legal political party should not be enough in itself to cause their suspension or sacking from their job.

The current situation is a complete mess, whereby police officers may not be members but nurses — who are called upon just like police officers to be “colour blind” in the performance of their duties — may be.

Duncan Reed

London SW18

Sir, It is with horror that I read Sean O’Neill’s account of how the BNP intends to put up candidates for election to police authorities should the plans for elected police authorities become a reality (report, Nov 17).

The police have fought long and hard to bolster their reputation against claims of racism and bigotry. But it will undermine these efforts, and leave community relations in tatters, should anybody from the BNP ever take up such a position.

The BNP represents the politics of paranoia. To introduce such a divisive and warped ideology into British policing would be nothing less than a disaster.

Neena Gill

Labour MEP for the West Midlands

Sir, I read with astonishment that the membership list of the BNP had been published on the internet and my heart goes out to all those named therein. It must be hell to live with a constant fear of persecution, with the possibility of discrimination dogging your every step and others thinking they are better than you.

Hang on a minute . . .

Torsten Payne

Newton Abbot, Devon