Vicars asked for ban on BNP

Clergymen across the region are being asked to ban BNP candidates from any election hustings organised by churches.

Almost 600 churches in the Diocese of Lichfield, which spans Wolverhampton, Walsall, Stafford and Cannock Chase and much of North Staffordshire, have been issued with the election briefing ahead of the poll on May 6.

Churches are being urged to ignore recommendations from the Electoral Commission and block BNP candidates from speaking at candidates' hustings debates organised for church communities.

There is no legal obligation to invite all candidates to take part in a hustings event but the Electoral Commission favours 'open hustings'.

The BNP were also ordered off the grounds of Lichfield Cathedral last year when the far-right party's "Truth Truck" pulled up for a photo opportunity outside.

In a foreword, the Bishop of Lichfield Reverend Jonathan Gledhill also urges clergymen to encourage voting.

"It is understandable that some people do not bother to vote if they feel they are given only pseudo-choices, but they are wrong."