National Front Marches (Press, 5 May 1978)

A letter to the editor published on 5 May 1978, from B. B. Thompson, the Deputy chairman of the New Zealand National Front, addresses the contrasting treatment of political demonstrations in the United Kingdom. Thompson points out that while marches organised by the National Front have been prohibited by the Labour Government, the anti-Nazi League's recent march against the National Front was permitted. He characterises the anti-Nazi League's demonstration as a chaotic gathering, featuring a diverse group that included punk rockers, members of the West Indian community, and various left-wing individuals expressing their opposition to the National Front. Thompson notes that the lack of incidents during the anti-Nazi League's march indicates that the National Front does not engage in physical confrontations with its opponents. In contrast, he claims that the extreme Left has openly advocated for violence as a means to dismantle the National Front. He references his personal experiences during a past march in Lewisham, London, to underscore the perceived threats posed by the extreme Left. Thompson concludes by asserting that the true danger to democracy resides not with the National Front, but with the political Left's inclination towards violence. The letter reflects Thompson's perspective on the landscape of political protests and the dynamics between opposing factions within New Zealand and the UK during this period.

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