WINCHESTER MP Mark Oaten has slammed as racist the 1,032 residents that voted BNP in last week’s European Elections.

Mr Oaten MP said: “I am shocked and frankly disgusted that 1,000 of my constituents have voted for a racist party.

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“I thought Winchester was a more tolerant place. In my mind those that voted for the BNP are either racist or ignorant. I might be criticised for using such strong language but I am not prepared to sit back and just say it was a protest vote.”

“I know people are worried about the recession and fed up with MPs but that is simply no excuse for backing a bunch of thugs like the BNP. There is no place for them in democratic politics.”