This film is currently unavailable
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.
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.
Special Parade of St Matthews Pupils and Special March Past of St Joseph's Scholars (1905) Special Parade of St Matthews Pupils and Special March Past of St Joseph's Scholars (1905)
Non-Fiction 1900 2 mins Silent Location: Blackburn
Rival displays of orderliness and frivolity in a parade of Lancashire schoolchildren.
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.
Edgar Wright on The Running Man Edgar Wright on The Running Man
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
The director talks to Mark Kermode about putting Stephen King's dystopian life-or-death gameshow thriller through its paces.
Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 69 mins
Richard Linklater discusses his remarkable and wide-ranging body of work, including Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague.
Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 73 mins
Daniel Day-Lewis, the ultimate actor’s actor discusses his career in conversation with Mark Kermode.