BNP clash with anti-racist protesters

South Wales Police made one arrest after a BNP members meeting to discuss asylum seekers were met by anti-racist demonstrators in Swansea on Monday night.

The meeting in the city was greeted by a counter demonstration consisting of 50 protesters, police have confirmed.

Their racist and bigoted agenda has no relevance to a modern multi-cultural Wales

Ian Titherington, Undeb

Officers were involved in an operation to prevent the two sides clashing, with the encounter limited to "vociferous exchanges".

One BNP member reportedly spat at the crowd as the meeting broke up, amid chants of "Nazi scum".

One arrest was made for a public order offence.

The 90-minute meeting at the Unitarian Church in the High Street was held by BNP party leader Nick Griffin, who lives in mid Wales.

Officers had been tipped-off about the meeting and had a heavy presence in wait, including officers on horse-back.

In a statement, South Wales Police said: "A pre-planned policing operation took place to ensure the event passed off safely."

Andrew Davies AM: Attended protest against BNP meeting

Protesters representing the Labour Party, Plaid Cymru, the Socialist Alliance, the Anti-Nazi League and the TGWU attended the demonstration, including Plaid AM Dr Dai Lloyd.

"I was proud to stand by people from so many different parties and organisations, united in out stand against the mindless racism of the BNP," said Dr Lloyd.

Ian Titherington, secretary of Plaid's trade union section Undeb, also attended the protest.

He said there was "no place" in any part of Wales for the BNP.

"Their racist and bigoted agenda has no relevance to a modern multi-cultural Wales," he said.

Church 'duped'

The secretary at the Unitarian Church said they had been duped into allowing the BNP to book the church hall.

She said it had been booked for a debate by a 'Mr Roberts' and that no indication was made that he represented a political party.

The protest coincided with the arrival in Cardiff on Monday of 20 asylum seekers under a dispersal agreement with the Home Office, which will see up to 800 people coming to the city over the next year.

More asylum seekers are expected to arrive in Wales in the next few days.

They will initially be housed in a reception centre, before being moved to longer term accommodation around Cardiff.

Deputy mayor Linda Thorne has urged residents to give the asylum seekers a warm welcome.