Royal British Legion rejects Huddersfield BNP member’s charity money

Aug 15 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A spokeswoman said: “The Royal British Legion has remained scrupulously above the party political fray for its entire existence and does not accept donations from either Government or any political party.

“This allows us to maintain the independence necessary to campaign effectively on behalf of the entire armed forces family, past and present, and their families.

“As a result, we do not participate in joint fundraisers with political parties. We have not authorised this particular fundraising event, nor will we be accepting funds raised as a result.”

The statement has put the British Legion on a collision course with one of its campaigners in Huddersfield.

BNP member Robert Walker, who organises the Poppy Appeal for the charity’s Golcar branch, had already said he would accept Rachel’s donation.

Mr Walker said: “I will be talking to senior people about it.

“I had already discussed this with the Golcar branch and they were happy with it and we had told Rachel we would be happy to accept her money.

“She is very upset.”

He said he would still be accepting the money raised from the event.

Rachel said she was disappointed by the response.

“It’s political correctness gone mad,” she said.