Well, after pondering last week as to why the BNP wanted to set up their own union, it’s become clear in a very welcome way. They aren’t going to be getting into any others anytime soon.

The European Court of Human Rights has just ruled today that unions can legitimately expel BNP members, thanks to a case brought by ASLEF. You can see (download, print, frame…) the ruling here.

They found that whilst BNP members did have a right to freedom of association, this worked in reverse too, and didn’t need to compromise the rights of those who wanted the freedom not to have to associate with people whose aims were directly opposed to the aims of their union.

Plus ASLEF get €53,900 compensation from the UK Government, which goes some way to redress after the UK tribunal made them take back their expelled BNP member, or face a fine of up to nearly twice that sum.

Result! I for one will be raising a glass of something suitably European this evening.