Operation Black Vote (OBV) today joined forces with Mayoral and MEP candidates, actress Seeta Indrani and a broad coalition of faith groups and NGO's to campaign against extreme right-wing candidates winning seats on the London Assembly. The OBV campaign launched a 100-foot billboard poster at Parry Street, Vauxhall warning of the critical danger from the Far Right at the upcoming elections. The poster reads 'Racists are now more dangerous than ever. They're voting. June 10th 2004.'

This week's poll by YouGov for the Evening Standard revealed that the BNP may win a seat both in London and Europe by reaching 5% of the vote in the forthcoming elections. The BNP will be hoping for a low turnout to reach the required threshold.

OBV are campaigning for a greater turnout by all communities to decisively beat the Far Right, and ensure that all the mainstream parties adopt an inclusive agenda that reflects the views of Black Londoners too.

The campaign launch was attended by GLA, EU and London Mayoral hopefuls including Ken Livingstone (Lab), Steve Norris (Con), Simon Hughes (Lib Dem), Darren Johnson (Greens), Ram Gidoomal (CPA) and Lindsay German (Respect). A host of celebrities, including the So Solid Crew, actress Seeta Indrani (The Bill, Inspector Morse, Footballers Wives), Asian dub artists Echelon and a broad coalition of anti-racist organisations and NGO's including GLAD (Greater London Action on Disability), Outrage! and representatives from all faith communities united to form an unprecedented coalition against the politics of hate and bigotry.

Actress Seeta Indrani said, "We have to make a decision on whether or not we are going to stand up and be counted. The message is simple. Use your vote. "

Asian dub artists Echelon said, " We need to go out and vote and make a stand against prejudice. As music artists we have the power to do something about it and send a clear message that by voting you can make a difference. "

OBV's National Co-ordinator Simon Woolley stated: "This is a wake up call for all Londoners. The BNP have abandoned their Jack boots for pin stripe suites, but their bigotry and race hate politics remain undiminished."

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