Labour’s deputy leader Harriet Harman will tomorrow ( February 19) launch the party’s ‘Vote 2009’ Black and Asian campaign bus in the run-up to the council, mayoral and European elections on June 4.

Over the next few months, Cabinet members will travel across the country to meet with different communities to listen to their views and concerns.

A major part of the campaign will also be to tackle the problem of many people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities not being registered to vote in the June elections.

At the launch in the East Midlands, Ms Harman will say:

 “Labour has a proud record of fighting hard for people and their families who need help when times are tough. Right now we are more determined than ever to do everything we can. When people feel their backs are against the wall, we will not back off.

“These June elections are important as they come at a difficult time.  The economy is in the midst of a global financial crisis and the BNP is trying to spread racism and division

 “According to the Electoral Commission, 17 per cent of people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups are set to lose their democratic right to vote on June 4 because they are not on the electoral register. This compares with 6 per cent for the rest of the population.

Harriet will call on electoral registration officers and community leaders to pull out the stops to maximise registration for this year’s elections:

“The stakes could not be higher- democracy simply doesn’t work unless people can exercise their vote. And on June 4 a high turnout would see off the racist and divisive challenge of the BNP. So every vote counts.”