You won’t often hear the leader of a political party urging you to vote for another one, but here goes.

The homophobic and racist BNP are planning to relaunch in Brighton and Hove tonight, with a ‘secret’ meeting somewhere in Hove.

The Green Party stands against racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia and bigotry of all kinds. We consider the BNP and their extremist views an affront to British values of tolerance, equality and solidarity.
Brighton Unite Against Fascism have organised a reception for them at Hove station from 6.30pm, but no-one yet has been able to find out exactly where they are meeting, either to protest outside or even talk to the venue’s management about the meeting.

The BNP have hardly advertised the meeting – they know they’re not going to be welcomed in such a cosmopolitan and diverse city as Brighton and Hove – and they tend to book venues under fairly innocuous sounding names like British History or Albion Heritage to avoid having their booking cancelled.

We need to get the message across loud and clear that the BNP is a party of fascists, and that they are not welcome here. I urge everyone who is able to attend this protest.
We must show that there is united opposition to the BNP and ensure Brighton & Hove is a fascist-free zone. Only then can we begin to claim that all who live and work here are able to do so free from fear.

Personally, I don’t think the BNP should be banned. Of course inciting racial or homophobic hatred or abuse should be prohibited, but outlawing political activity or association is a slippery slope. Rules designed to stop the distasteful march of modern fascism can pretty quickly end up being used against anyone, especially legitimate protestors. Before we know it we’d have opposition MPs – and political activists – being arrested routinely.

No – the answer, in a democracy with respect for human rights, lies both on the streets and at the ballot box.

We should peacefully protest – let the peddlars of hate know they are not welcome here - but also make sure we use our votes to choose a politician who isn’t either racist or homophobic.

The BNP relies on low turnouts to get elected – when only a handful of voters turn out the threshold comes right down: and that’s why I’ll always encourage voters to express their wishes at the ballot box, whether they are likely to vote Green or not.

I hope – and believe – I’ll be elected MP for Brighton Pavilion at the next general election. But if I don’t, I rather lose to anyone but the BNP.