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Policeman on BNP list is suspended
21.11.08
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A serving police officer included in a list of British National Party members leaked on an internet blog has been suspended from duty, police said.
Pc Steve Bettley, of Merseyside Police, returned early from a holiday abroad to help the force with an investigation into his alleged involvement with the far right party.
A force spokesman said: "Merseyside Police can confirm that the police officer subject to an ongoing internal investigation into his alleged association with the BNP has today been suspended from duty."
The spokesman added: "He returned from his holiday early to cooperate with the investigation. We would like to reiterate we will keep an open mind until the facts around the alleged investigation have been established."
The officer once worked for a temporary six-week period as personal driver for the force's chief constable, Bernard Hogan Howe. He took on the role when the permanent driver left the post and while a replacement could be found.
Pc Bettley was included in a list of thousands of BNP supporters which was leaked on an internet blog. His name was part of the main entry of a family member.
Officers are banned from joining or promoting the BNP because it would damage race relations, according to the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo).
The list, which was removed from the original blog where it was posted but remains available on other websites, names a number of current and former servicemen, along with ex-policemen.
Freelance broadcaster Rod Lucas, who was employed on a casual basis by Talksport, was also identified as a BNP member.
BNP members first blamed former party staff for the leak, but then took the line that it was a plot hatched by Labour supporters. Leader Nick Griffin pledged to take court action against those behind the leak, but he welcomed the wave of publicity that was generated.
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Reader views (6)
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The BNP is a legal party so why cant police join it? If they are allowed to join other parties they should be able to join the BNP .
- Jack Napier, London England
If this officer is fired there will be a revolt nation wide.
- Brandon Thomas, London UK
The BNP is a legitimate party so therefore it is no more wrong to support them than it is to support any other party. If it is wrong then it is also wrong to support any party.
- Vince London, West London
