Nicola Sturgeon, MSP for Glasgow Govan, has today spoken of her distress at the election of two BNP members to the European Parliament.

Miss Sturgeon, whose constituency is the most ethnically diverse in Scotland, commented: "Regardless of personal triumphs, this is an extremely sad day for British politics. The sight of two members of the racist British National Party celebrating their 'success' in being elected to the European Parliament will have made most of us, quite rightly, disgusted.

"The BNP have tried to present themselves as the acceptable face of racism and unfortunately, it seems, some have been fooled by their rhetoric. Regardless of how much they protest there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that the policies and ideology of the BNP are immersed in racism and xenophobia.

"This is undoubtedly a wake up call to all political parties that we must redouble our efforts to combat the increasing threat of racism and discrimination.

"However, I am pleased that in Scotland the BNP have not had as big an impact as in other parts of the UK. I am proud that in Scotland we promote an inclusive brand of nationalism that welcomes Scots of all colours, creeds and faiths.

"I would like to reassure all members from our diverse communities that in Scotland we continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to racism. We must keep promoting our message of multiculturalism, that in Scotland we truly are 'One Nation, Many Cultures'."

Notes:

1.    The BNP polled 2.5% of the national vote in Scotland up from 1.7% in 2004 European elections.

2.    In England the polled 6.2% of the national vote and won 2 seats in the European elections.