Today, Nick Griffin and Andrew Brons take their seats in the European Parliament.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "60 years ago we fought against the fascists together. Today, two UK fascists are taking their seats in this Parliament for the first time. Today is a sad day for Britain and we will not let matters rest."

This afternoon in Strasbourg a delegation of the "Hope Not Hate Campaign" will hand over 88,021 signatures of people from around the UK to Michael Cashman MEP, Vice Chairman of the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament."

Michael Cashman MEP, said, "People around the country stood up to show their defiance against the BNP taking seats in the European Parliament and signed the "Not in my Name" petition. I am delighted to receive this petition today and will hope that this issue will be a top priority for the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament."

14 July 2009