Use your vote or risk ‘extremism’

FAITH leaders from across Rotherham gathered this week outside Rotherham Town Hall to urge people to use their votes - or risk helping extremist candidates.

Members of Christian churches and Muslim mosques issued a joint statement calling on the electorate to “give a clear signal that messages of hatred and division are not welcome here”.

The statement from Rotherham Inter-faith Council added: “We’re deeply concerned at the activity of racist groups and extremists who seek to exploit people’s fears with regard to the economic crisis to stir up race hate and division”.

Extremists claiming to speak for all Christians and labelling Muslims negatively were “an affront to all our religions”, they said.

Adam Walker, the chairman of the British National Party, is standing in the Rotherham constituency.

The call to “use your vote” came as Rotherham Borough Council pointed out there were just a few days late for people to register to vote.

To join the electoral register, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.