THE calls, expressed by Stuart Marsden, organiser of the Burnley and Pendle Anti-Nazi League, for the British National Party to be stopped operating by shutting down Burnley headquarters (LET, July 4) was sinister and disturbing.

What Mr Marsden seems to have forgotten is that we all live in a parliamentary democracy where freedom of speech is cherished.

He may also like to know his wish would be in breach of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) article 10-freedom of expression, which states: "You have the right to hold opinions and express your views on your own or in a group. This applies even if they are unpopular or disturbing."

I can give him and his organisation a tip: Instead of trying to deny others their human rights, why don't they exercise one of their human rights and stand in local elections against the BNP?

DANIEL COTTINGHAM, Highfield Gardens, Blackburn.