Mainstream politicians have left a vacuum for the British National Party to get votes, a contender in Labour's deputy leader race is due to say.
Backbench MP Jon Cruddas says the acquittal of the BNP leader, Nick Griffin, on a charge of inciting racial hatred is a wake-up call.

Mr Cruddas will say the BNP is thriving in poor communities amid an atmosphere of fear and tension.

The MP, who is making two speeches on Saturday, backs more local campaigning.

Mr Cruddas has experience with the issue - as some of his constituents in east London voted for the BNP councillors.

He will warn that where society is fragmenting, the BNP are becoming rivals to the Labour party.

Mr Cruddas will say the BNP thrives in poor communities and will claim mainstream parties have created "fear, tension and suspicion" during the Muslim veil debate.

In a speech to the Searchlight conference for Labour and union activists, he will say: "Some communities have been badly affected by a decline in traditional industries, a shortage of affordable housing and changing migration patterns."

He will also say: "We have to be honest in saying the debate over the veil, talking tough on immigration and race or the language used in the 'war on terror' does not reassure people but actually makes the situation worse.

"It creates fear, tension and suspicion. It divides communities and plays into the hands of extremism."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6138582.stm