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Thursday, 27 April 2006, 09:08 GMT 10:08 UK

Victim's family air BNP concerns

Gee Walker The family of murdered black teenager Anthony Walker are concerned about the British National Party (BNP) fielding a candidate in their constituency.

Anthony was killed with an ice axe in a racist attack near McGoldrick Park in Huyton, Merseyside, in July last year.

The Walker family said a BNP candidate would do nothing to improve racial integration in the borough of Knowsley.

Gary Aronsson, the BNP candidate in the Whitefield ward, said voters could vote for whichever candidate they chose.

A statement from the Walker family said: "Our intention is to improve and promote racial harmony and unity in Knowsley and we cannot see how this will help."

'Human values'

Mr Aronsson said he appreciated the terrible experience Anthony Walker's family had been through.

He added: "People have got to be able to express their feelings and their opinions, their fears in a reasonable manner.

Anthony Walker

"If they're not allowed to do that at the ballot box, they will find an alternative.

"The BNP doesn't cause violence, it helps to reduce it."

Peter Fisher, the Liberal Democrat candidate, said: "To actually put a candidate forward is not only repugnant but also goes against what I would consider to be decent human values."

Labour candidate Jean Keats said: "While we're knocking on doors, people are disgusted with the BNP."

Paul Taylor, 20, and Michael Barton, 17, were jailed for life in December for the racially aggravated murder of Anthony.

Three others are charged in relation to the killing.

The Walker family are setting up a charity in his name to fight racism.

The Anthony Walker Foundation will promote integration with money raised by the sale of wristbands.

The wristbands will read "In memory of Anthony Walker" with a message from his mother Gee on the other side reading: "Don't let my son's death be in vain."




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Related to this story:
Walker mother would meet killers (16 Apr 06 |  UK )
Walker family bid to fight racism (23 Jan 06 |  Merseyside )
Williams sermon on 'forgiveness' (25 Dec 05 |  UK )
Racism 'has no place in society' (02 Dec 05 |  Merseyside )

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The Labour Party
Liberal Democrats
BNP
Knowsley Borough Council
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