The BNP's first ever MEPs - party leader Nick Griffin and his colleague Andrew Brons - yesterday took their seats in the European Parliament, a month after the European elections delivered a drubbing to socialists across Europe and boosted the fortunes of the far right in a dozen countries.

Mr Griffin made clear he intended to do a serious job as an MEP, but his party faced an 88,000-signature petition of protest by the "Hope Not Hate Campaign".

The petition was lodged with Labour MEP Michael Cashman, who said: "People around the country stood up to show their defiance against the BNP taking seats in the European Parliament and signed the Not in my Name' petition. I am delighted to receive this petition today and will hope that this issue will be a top priority for the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament."

Labour leader in the European Parliament Glenis Willmott also protested after being told that Mr Griffin had described new Europe minister Glenys Kinnock as a "political prostitute."

Ms Willmott declared: "Sixty years ago we fought against the fascists together. Today, two UK fascists are taking their seats in this Parliament for the first time.

"Today is a sad day for Britain and we will not let matters rest.

"Labour will redouble its efforts to make sure that the BNP's stay in the European parliament is short-lived."