This film is part of Free
The National Party
A fiery and harrowing investigation into the rise of the far-right in Blackburn
Overview
This harrowing report for Granada TV's World in Action traces the rise of the National Party in Blackburn, in the midst of a surge in support for the far right across Britain. The investigation by Claudia Milne (twin sister of TV writer Paula) and Geoffrey Seed exposes the violence and intimidation incited by chairman , John Kingsley Read (who formed the party after losing control of the National Front), and its impact on Blackburn's Indian and Pakistani communities.
A one-time Conservative who chaired the National Front (NF) from 1974 to 1975, Read formed the National Party after an acrimonious split in the NF. 1976 was the new party's peak, with Read one of two candidates elected to Blackburn district council in May. In January 1977 he was tried for incitement to racial hatred but controversially acquitted in a case that raised questions about judicial attitudes to racism. But the party's fortunes soon waned, and Read ultimately distanced himself from the far right and rejoined the Conservative Party.
Related
Sir Robert Baden Powell attends the Scout Rally in Witton Park Sir Robert Baden Powell attends the Scout Rally in Witton Park
Non-Fiction 1924 12 mins Silent Location: Blackburn
A show of scouting skills in Blackburn, Lancashire.
L.S. Lowry - The Industrial Artist L.S. Lowry - The Industrial Artist
Documentary 1973 17 mins Location: Mottram in Longdendale
Matchstick men and so much more - the work and world of Lawrence Stephen Lowry, recorder of the industrial north.
Waterfall Mill, Blackburn Waterfall Mill, Blackburn
Amateur film 1950 12 mins Silent Location: Blackburn
Mill workers and machines - a detailed look at the Lancashire textile industry.
Not So Much a Facelift... Not So Much a Facelift...
Documentary 1976 25 mins Location: Norwich
An enjoyably odd public information film shot on the streets of Blackburn, Norwich and Oxford.
Attack on a Mission Station Attack on a Mission Station
War 1900 1 mins Silent Location: Blackburn
Dramatised account of Chinese rebels' violent confrontation with Christian missionaries, made in the wake of the Boxer Rebellion.
Visit of H.R.H. Princess Louise to Blackburn (1905) Visit of H.R.H. Princess Louise to Blackburn (1905)
Non-Fiction 1905 13 mins Silent Location: Blackburn
A majestic Blackpool monument to Queen Victoria is unveiled by Princess Louise.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.