THE BNP has worked hard to change its image. Gone are the skinhead haircuts, bovver boots and snarling racist taunts, replaced by smart suits and apparently reasoned arguments.

Nothing is said publicly, or put in a BNP manifesto, which could lead to a charge of inciting racial hatred. But undercover investigations reveal vicious expression of racist hatred at private meetings.

Sometimes, even in public, the mask slips. BNP councillor Richard Barnbrook, has been reported as saying of Simone Clarke, the ballerina who is also a BNP member: "She's not racist - she's going out with someone who is not of her own race." But he said he hoped the couple would not have children. "I'm not opposed to mixed marriages, but their children are washing out the identity of this country's indigenous people." Then he quickly added: "That's my view, it's not the party's view."

BNP leader Nick Griffin now says he's not a racist, but a "race separatist" (Echo, Jan 24).

What's the difference? Racial separation means apartheid - is that what we want for Britain? - Pete Winstanley, Durham.