The Far Right is not the answer

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has called for a new drive against the party as a list of names and addresses of their members was posted on the internet.

The leak has cast new light on the make-up of supporters of the BNP, which has in recent years made electoral gains disturbing to politicians across the spectrum.

Writing in a national newspaper, Ms Blears said: "We must recognise that where the BNP wins votes, it is often a result of local political failure.

"Estates that have been ignored for decades; voters taken for granted; local services that have failed; white working-class voters who feel politicians live on a different planet.

"In such a political vacuum, the BNP steps in with offers of grass-cutting, a listening ear and easy answers to complex problems."

Ms Blears accused the party of playing on people's "apprehensions" and peddling "pernicious but plausible lies".

The release of the membership list, which included telephone numbers, has led to fears that BNP supporters will be targets of abuse and even violence.

Police in West Yorkshire have been investigating the torching of a car near to the home of one of the names on the list.

There are also concerns that teachers, police officers and army personnel feature on the list, although it is not entirely up to date and some of the names appearing on it are not BNP members.

Ms Blears urged a concerted fightback against the BNP where concentrations of support are strongest.

She said: "We must continue to campaign vigorously against the BNP: demonstrate, picket, leaflet and argue."