LIKE Ivan Lewis MP, I will not be voting for the BNP but I suggest that Mr Lewis reflects on why this particular party is receiving increasing support.

The British are tolerant to a fault but are becoming rapidly uneasy and impatient at governments' (note the plural) consistent abandonment of factors needed for health and vigorous national pride.

In many lands, including Commonwealth countries, children start their day with a patriotic song, sung in school buildings flying their national flag, so that they grow into adults who are proud of their land. Constant surrender by governments to the so-called "politically correct" now means that flying our national flag is discouraged or denounced. Political correctness also prevents our teachers from controlling misbehaviour in their classrooms.

Britain is a fundamentally Christian country, welcoming and tolerating those of different creeds and permitting the building of their places of worship. Decent, lawful immigrants do not ask that we abandon our religious celebrations, our patriotism, or discriminate in their favour, since this is the culture they choose to live in.

British governments have surrendered, without presentation to the electorate, to petty -- and sometimes serious -- demands from a Brussels body of bureaucrats, some of doubtful integrity. The present Prime Minister's political appeasement seems to have spread to the west, submission to the aspirations of the USA. Such consistent acquiescence produces contempt, not respect.

Like every other land, Britain cannot claim to be saintly, but has much about it to be proud of. British people, their children, and the world need reminding of this. National pride gives strength, confidence and esteem to citizens and governments alike.

In 1947, Churchill said: "Many have defended Britain against her foes. None can defend her against herself".

Britain has need of someone able to re-ignite national pride. If you are out there, come soon.

CEEAITCH