The British National Party was forced to amend its constitution yesterday so that it does not bar people from joining because of their race or religion.

The move came after the Equality and Human Rights Commission started a county court action against the party, accusing it of breaching race relations laws. Proceedings at Central London County Court were adjourned after lawyers said that Nick Griffin, the party’s leader, would put a revised constitution before a BNP meeting next month.

Robin Allen, QC, for the commission, said Mr Griffin had also agreed not to accept new members until the revised constitution was in place.

The move was seen as a victory by the commission. John Wadham, its legal director, said: “We are pleased the party has conceded this case and agreed to the commission’s requirements. We believed the BNP’s constitution was unlawful, because its membership criteria discriminated on grounds of ethnic minority status and colour. This is not a political issue. It is about obeying the law, which everyone is obliged to do.”

He said that the commission had statutory powers and duties to stop discrimination: “We could not ignore a political party acting unlawfully.”

As they left court, Chris Roberts, the BNP’s eastern regional spokesman accused Mr Wadham of being a “disgrace” and warned he would face a charge for “crimes against the British people”.

Mr Roberts said: “I don’t know what the membership will vote to do, but I think we will take a commonsense approach.”

He said the BNP had been forced to give the undertakings by the “liberal Marxist establishment” which wanted to see it put out of business because it was winning seats in elections. “This will not change our core beliefs,” he said.

The case was adjourned until January 28 when Judge Paul Collins will determine if the constitution has been revised appropriately.

The Equalities Bill, which is going through Parliament, may in any case force the party’s hand, as it removes a provision that the BNP relies on to justify membership criteria.

Mr Wadham said: “It is unfortunate that the BNP spent several months before conceding and dealing properly with our legal requirements.”

In the court order, the BNP agreed to use all reasonable endeavours to revise its constitution so it does not discriminate on any “protected characteristic” — for example on the grounds of race, ethnic or religious status — as defined in clause four of the Bill.

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