Young, Nazi and Proud - ObscuredTV

Dispatches reporter David Modell films a remarkable six months spent in the questionable company of Mark Collett, leader of the youth wing of the British National Party, and reveals the true nature of a party trying to reinvent itself and broaden its appeal. A rising star of the party, Collet reveals to Modell his deeply held Nazi sympathies. This despite the party's claim it no longer has any association with Nazism It's clear why the BNP want intelligent young men like Mark, a university graduate. BNP leader Nick Griffin tells Dispatches that Collett is a potential leader of the party. But Modell is interested in trying to determine what motivates a bright young man to throw in his lot with a party which will make him reviled in public. Modell has little in common with his subject and finds himself taking an exception to some of Collett's interests and occupations - which range through rabid anti-Semitism ('Jews aren't white') to explaining how he likes to "break" people, in particular his ex girlfriend. Modell first films with Collett as he is canvassing for local elections in Bradford. They visit a predominantly white estate. Some residents share a perception that their Asian neighbours are favoured by the social security system. "Bunch of bloody pakis get money all the bloody time," as one of them puts it, just before her takeaway curry arrives. The elections are a major success for the BNP in some parts of England but despite all the flesh pressing, Mark only pulls in 209 votes. He is not disheartened. Mark is very close to his parents. Modell films them as they arrive for Mark's graduation from Leed's university. His dad says he goes into his other mode when he's doing his "party bit" but he defends his son's politics. In a slightly unfortunate turn of phrase he claims the BNP are always being "painted black." Mark appears to have no university mates to congratulate him on his achievement but he is among friends later in the summer at Red, White and Blue, the BNP's annual rally. Although the BNP has supposedly dropped its nazi associations, at Red White and Blue there is plenty of evidence of the opposite. There are discreet symbols everywhere. For example, men in shirts numbered 88 - H is the eighth letter of the alphabet - HH is Heil Hitler. Mark is explicit in his adoration of Nazi Germany when he thinks the camera is turned off. "I'd never say this on camera, the Jews have been thrown out of every country including England. It's not just persecution. There's no smoke without fire," he declares. Modell's six months filming Collett's activities conclude with a September 11 demonstration outside the Finsbury Park Mosque in London, where the BNP are joined by the NF and the chanting gets nasty. "Burn, burn, burn that paki - ear-ly in the morning." In the end Modell has to confront Collett to explain he has recorded his anti-Semitic pro-Nazi comments on tape. When he realises Modell is of Jewish descent, for once Collett is speechless. Collett tells Modell he is going to resign from the party. At the moment the BNP won't let him - they've currently put his position on hold. Young Nazi and Proud was broadcast on Channel 4 on Monday Nov 4, 9pm and repeated on Wednesday Nov 7, 03.55am