Bethan Jenkins AC/AM South Wales West

At 11am this morning (17th May), Swansea played its part in both remembering those who gave their lives fighting fascism 70 years ago, and reminding us that in terms of the challenge of the BNP , the fight goes on.Representatives all all four main political parties took a break from campaigning for the European elections and joined together, in a united front against the threat of fascist politics in Wales. In doing so, they also remembered those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in defeating fascism 70 years ago, both in Spain and the 2nd World War.

Liberal Democrat AM Peter Black, Plaid Cymru AM Bethan Jenkins, Labour European Candidate Derek Vaughan and Conservative European candidate David Chipp placed a wreath at the city’s war memorial on the sea front, read out 100 names of local fallen from the two conflicts and all spoke passionately about the importance of staying united, against the threat of fascist politics to the communities of Wales.

The Searchlight Representative at the event was Ian Titherington. He stated, “Searchlight are delighted at the united stance our main political parties have taken against fascism. The BNP have no hope of winning a seat in Wales next month, but they will no doubt attempt to build foundations for future elections. Evey step of the way, they will be challenged, until their message of fascist extremism is truly exposed.”

The event coincided with other identical commemorations across Wales in Cardiff and Flint, where the main political parties again united in the anti-fascist cause.

Ian Titherington concluded, “The BNP are now very skilled at hiding their true identity and no doubt, many voters will fall for their con trick next month. However, the political challenges in 21st Century Wales can never be solved by race hate and prejudice-the lessons of 70 years ago are proof enough of that.”