Councillors united to condemn the extreme-right wing British National Party.

Labour member David Scott tabled a motion "deploring" the BNP and calling on councillors to promote mutual respect for all.

The motion also backed the council's comprehensive equality policy, which provides equality for all.

The BNP has recently been leafleting in York, in the Hull Road and Acomb areas.

Coun Scott said: "For the moment the BNP confine themselves to attacking the Euro and asylum seekers, blaming the evils of the world and society on some of the most vulnerable in society.

"They try to ride a popular wave of discontent hiding their true intent. Once in place they attack the vulnerable then try to spread like a cancer. Do not be fooled by their efforts to legitimise their beliefs and actions. The BNP is the National Front under another name. It is a party of racism and intolerance and has no place in a modern democracy."

The motion was passed unanimously.

Council leader Steve Galloway said: "The only time they (the BNP) submitted themselves to the ballot box their support was derisory. I believe the people of York are naturally tolerant and this city is not a fertile ground for the BNP. We will all only be satisfied when there is not a single BNP councillor left in the country."

Updated: 10:55 Wednesday, November 12, 2003