The Becontree by-election has seen the Nazi British National Party (BNP) kept out of London. Labour candidate Alok Agrawal got 58.5% of the vote, with the BNP coming second with 19%. The turnout in the election was 25.5%.

Earlier this week the BNP were roundly attacked by political parties for issuing a leaflet featuring the bus bombed in last week’s terrorist attacks. This was countered with a united anti-racist campaign calling on voters to reject the BNP. This defeat follows last month’s result in the neighbouring ward of Goresbrook, where the BNP lost their only seat in London .

Ken Livingstone, Chair of Unite Against Fascism said “Tonight has shown that Londoners will not allow the terrorists or the BNP to divide this city. Our ability to embrace the world has won us the Olympic Games and will enable us to isolate and eliminate those responsible for the atrocities on 7 July. The BNP are a tiny group of contemptible parasites who are incapable of understanding the basis of this city’s strength and prosperity”.

Margaret Hodge MP for Barking said “It is a great result. The people of Barking have resoundingly rejected the BNP’s message of hatred and division.”

Aloc Agrewal, Labour Councillor for Becontree said:

”This is a victory for common sense and a victory for the people of the Becontree ward.”

Sabby Dhalu Joint Sectretary of Unite Against Fascism said “The BNP’s cynical ploy of attempting to exploit the atrocities last week for political gain have been overwhelmingly rejected by the people of Becontree. All decent people have been disgusted and appalled by the BNP’s campaign and the majority of decent voters made their voice heard – the people of Becontree voted to stop the BNP getting elected.”

Weyman Bennet, Joint Secretary of Unite Against Fascism said “The General election saw a continued rise in votes for the BNP. This result shows that they can be defeated by turning out the anti-fascist vote. We must make sure this victory is used to whittle away their previous votes. We must still be vigilant and mobilise even greater forces to make sure we can thoroughly remove fascism from British politics.”