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BNP spreading myths to sow division — MP

STORIES that asylum-seekers are being given money to buy cars are all part of a BNP bid to create division, an MP is claiming.

Graham Stringer, who represents Blackley, said it was time to dispel some of the myths that have been spread by the party and other far-right bodies.

He told fellow members that race relations had improved but on occasions, when there had been waves of immigrants, the nasty bottom-feeding racists had exploited the situation to spread myths.

Mr Stringer said: “One is that Oldham Council provides asylum-seekers with cheques for second-hand cars. If I have heard that once, I have heard it 10 times.

“It is unusual and ridiculous, but it creates resentment if people are gullible enough to believe it.”

Oldham Council said there was absolutely no truth in the myth.

Mr Stinger said people also believed that asylum seekers were being given free bus travel across Greater Manchester. He said the matter was constantly brought up at meetings he attended, adding: “A number of councillors in the area have heard the same myths and, with me, have investigated the cause of the misconception.”

The Labour MP said he had spoken to the Greater Manchester Passenger Trans-port Executive which had assured him that no such scheme operated although it was aware of the stories that were circulating.

It is believed some of the myths started after people saw an asylum-seeker with special bus tickets which are not available to the public.

These were issued for travel on days when the asylum-seekers had to report to one of the government centres.

Transport Minister Tom Harris said payment of travel expenses was a fundamental part of the Government’s policy to encourage asylum-seekers to comply with requirements and keep in touch with the immigration and nationality directorate.

It is part of national policy that people living three miles away from a centre are given help.

Mr Harris said: “Asylum-seekers are not being provided with bus passes as some people are claiming.

“However, it is sadly typical of the extremists of the British National Party to try to exploit the fears of ordinary people and to whip up resentment and hatred against a vulnerable group of people purely for political gain.

“Frankly, that is a disgraceful attitude.”

“Given the record of the British National Party on fact and truth, I am not optimistic that the myths will stop being circulated.”

Oldham Chronicle News and Sport