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Employment Bill [Lords]

Yes, fit and healthy, and if they want to make that contribution, they should be allowed to do so. My final point was raised by the hon. Member for Broxbourne (Mr. Walker), who referred to the British National party, and it concerns clause 18, ““Exclusion or expulsion from trade union for membership of political party””. The clause addresses the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights on unions' ability to determine their own rules and membership free from unnecessary interference. It relates to the fundamental right of freedom of association, covered by article 11 of the European convention on human rights. The relevant case concerned ASLEF's attempt to expel a member of the BNP. The BNP does not exist in my area. I am aware from conversations with other colleagues that it is a despicable organisation, which, in a civilised society, we should not tolerate. I understand the hon. Gentleman's frustrations, as I understand those of many of my colleagues, about some of the myths and nasty literature that it peddles, not only at election times, but continually, thinking that it can make headway in what it regards as the political world.