BNP teacher ban 'is considered'

A possible ban on teachers in England from being members of the British National Party is under consideration, a government spokesman has confirmed.

A spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families says ministers are investigating a ban.

But the profession's watchdog, the General Teaching Council, has said membership of a legal party cannot be seen as "unprofessional conduct".

A BNP spokesman said moves for such a ban were "naked intimidation".

There have been calls from teachers' unions for a ban on teachers belonging to the BNP.

The NASUWT teachers' union argues that belonging to the party is incompatible with "respecting ethnic, cultural and religious diversity".

It says a ban could follow the example of serving police officers who are not allowed to be BNP members - and says that such an exclusion could be achieved through an amendment to teachers' contracts.