LEADING figures across Greater Manchester have united to call on voters to shun the BNP.

Representatives of all the city's biggest faith communities signed a pledge opposing the extreme right-wing party, which hopes to exploit public anger over the MPs expenses scandal in June 4's European Parliament elections.

Greater Manchester Faith Communities, which is comprised of Christians of all denominations, Jews, Muslims and Sikhs, has said: "As leaders of Greater Manchester faith Communities we express out concern at the racist history and policies of the British National Party.

"We say `No' to the BNP's view of the world. We say `Yes; to neighbourhoods where there is peace, justice and equality for everyone, whoever they are."


They will use racism and other prejudice to challenge the very diversity which strengthens our city
The Bishop of Manchester


The Bishop of Manchester has branded the BNP as a party of 'division, fear and hatred'. Earlier this year he called for all mainstream parties and people of all faiths to reject the BNP in June 4's European Parliament elections.

He said: "There are those who do not share our vision of Manchester and who will seek political success by preaching a message of division and hatred. They will use racism and other prejudice to challenge the very diversity which strengthens our city.

"They will exploit the difficult times which presently face our country, trying to turn one community against the other. They will use difference as a scapegoat because they have nothing else to offer in response to the issues we face.

"At the heart of our political process is belief in democratic representation - a belief that values difference and, yes, seeks the common good. The BNP does neither. It offers only division, fear and hatred."

Bishop Nigel's views are echoed by senior church colleagues. Yesterday the Archbishops of Canterbury and York said it would be `tragic' if people abstained or voted BNP in the euro polls and urged people to exercise `great vigilance' when deciding how to vote.

The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu has condemned the party for language `which is beyond belief'.

The leading churchmen are among a chorus of high-profile voices to oppose the party. Mayor of London Boris Johnson has accused the BNP of trying to turn a garden party hosted by the Queen into a `political stunt', stepping in to prevent BNP assembly member Richard Barnbrook bringing BNP leader Nick Griffin to the event.

Former Manchester United star Paddy Crerand has praised Manchester's diversity in the face of the BNP threat. The former Busby Babe said: "Manchester is a wonderful, tolerant city. Every nationality, race, creed and colour is here. When I was growing up in Glasgow as a Catholic I couldn't even play for the Rangers. That's the sort of division the BNP wants."

Celebrities have backed campaigns against the BNP across the country. Emmerdale cast members backed the trade union Unison against the BNP when they campaigned in Yorkshire in 2006.

Two years earlier, when the party stood in a by-election in Suffolk, top names including film director Richard Curtis backed campaigners against them.