Leader Griffin wins second BNP seat
The British National Party has won its its first two seats in the European Parliament.
The far right party's leader Nick Griffin picked up a seat in the North West of England region.
And Andrew Brons won a seat in the Yorkshire and Humber region, where Labour lost a seat.
The wins came as the party appeared to attract significant numbers of disaffected Labour voters.
Health Secretary Andy Burnham, a North West MP, said the result was a "sad moment for British politics". He said: "It is deeply uncomfortable to see the BNP polling in the numbers they have. Whatever the country's problems the BNP are never the answer."
But Mr Griffin said he was "absolutely delighted". "It will be a huge change in British politics," he said. "The most demonised and lied about party in British politics has made a massive breakthrough ... The public have had their say in a democratic election and we should respect that."
Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB union, said: "On D-Day, Britain sent an army to Europe to stop the Nazis getting to Britain.
"It is an absolute insult to the memories to those who fought that 65 years later Britain is now sending Nazis to Europe to represent us."
But speaking after his victory Mr Brons said: "I regard this as the first step to the UK getting freedom from the EU dictatorship.
"Despite the headlines, despite the money, despite the misrepresentation we have managed to win through."
