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Version 1

The British National Party (BNP) is a far right political party in the United Kingdom. founded in 1980 by John Tyndall, a former chairman of the National Front (NF). In 1999, Nick Griffin replaced Tyndall as BNP leader.

Mainstream political parties in the UK oppose the BNP. The party has been strongly criticised by Conservative Party leader David Cameron, former Liberal Democrats leader Sir Menzies Campbell and former Labour Party Prime Minister Tony Blair, among others.

The BNP is best known, historically and today, for its controversial views on race and immigration. The party describes itself as nationalist but is condemned by outsiders as fascist and racist, largely on account ot its past history and the previous actions of its leaders. Under John Tyndall's leadership, the BNP had strong anti-Semitic tendencies, but in recent times, the BNP has focussed more on Muslims.

In the 2005 UK General Election the party fielded 119 candidates (none of whom was elected) receiving 0.7% of the popular vote and finishing eighth overall. In the Welsh Assembly Election 2007 it came fifth overall. It has 56 councillors in local government in England.

Version 2

The British National Party (BNP) is a political party in the United Kingdom. founded in 1980 by John Tyndall, a former chairman of the National Front. Nick Griffin replaced Tyndall in 1999 as leader of the BNP, and the party has since enjoyed much greater political success.

The BNP is best known, historically and today, for its controversial views on race and immigration. The party describes itself as nationalist or "conservative with a small 'c'", however, interpretation of the BNP's ideology has been a common source of contention. Criticisms of fascism and racism still dog the party, due in no small part to past history and previous actions of figures within the party; under John Tyndall's leadership the BNP was often regarded as openly anti-Semitic. Despite attempts at modernisation, criticism of the party and its policies remains; particularly their strong stance on Islam.

In the 2005 UK General Election the party fielded 119 candidates receiving 0.7% of the popular vote and finishing eighth overall with no seats won. In the Welsh Assembly Election 2007 it came fifth overall, while very nearly electing an MP. It has 56 councillors in local government in England.

Mainstream political parties in the UK have often directly opposed the BNP; the party has been criticised by Conservative Party leader David Cameron, former Liberal Democrats leader Sir Menzies Campbell and former Labour Party Prime Minister Tony Blair, among others.