TORY election hope John Walsh has not signed the Commission for Racial Equality's charter urging candidates not to "play the race card" in the General Election campaign.
But he dismisses the row about who has or hasn't signed as an attempt to hide the truth about Labour's "failed policies".
"The CRE charter has been signed by William Hague on behalf of all Conservative candidates and I am very happy about that," said the would-be Bury North MP.
"I see no reason to sign as well, but that does not mean I do not agree with William Hague.
"Nor does it mean that important issues like Labour's failed asylum policies should not be openly discussed during a General Election."
Mr Walsh said the UK has a long and proud history, with four countries bound by a common bond but with their distinct identities.
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