A ROW has erupted after a pensioners’ group invited the British National Party to a public debate.

Two politicians have pulled out of the discussion at Wellington Town Football Club on anti-social youths because of the BNP’s alleged racist views, which Taunton and Wellington Pensioners’ Forum denies.

Conservative Mark Formosa, who is standing in the next General Election in Taunton, said: “I refuse to be part of any event which gives publicity to an organisation associated with views which arouse deep repulsion in the majority of local people.

“The BNP has a reputation for expressing what people consider to be hateful and racist views and policies.”

Labour councillor Andrew Govier said: “It wouldn’t be appropriate to attend – the BNP’s policies are offensive and distasteful.”

Taunton’s LibDem MP Jeremy Browne is also staying away – he avoids party political debates locally outside elections.

He said: “I don’t fundamentally object to a debate with the BNP, although I don’t understand why they’re invited - they haven’t stood here in local elections since 2003 and the General Election since 1997.

“I wouldn’t wish to ban the BNP - I’d prefer the weaknesses in their argument to be expressed through debate and scrutiny.”

The UK Independence Party’s Dorothy Baker plans to attend – she said: “You can’t make snap judgements on hearsay - it’s better to have an open debate.”

Forum chairman Jim Stephens said the event was now in doubt.

He added: “The BNP is nothing like Mr Formosa makes out.

“You can’t leave them out because they have different views.”

BNP spokesman Simon Darby said: “The mainstream parties don’t like us talking to people.

“It’s blackmail to say, ‘If you have the BNP, we won’t come’.”