Michael Howard has launched a stinging attack on the British National Party.

The Conservative leader described the party as "a stain on our democratic way of life".

Howard used a speech in Burnley yesterday to portray the BNP leadership as racist and violent.

"Let’s not mince our words. The policies of the British National Party are based on bigotry and hatred," he said.

Howard admitted mainstream political parties - including the Conservatives - had to do more to encourage people from ethnic minorities to stand as parliamentary candidates.

"We should be making even more progress than we already have. Despite the success stories, ethnic minorities are still under-represented in many of our major institutions. That, I’m sorry to say, includes the Conservative Party," he said.