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22/10/2009
BNP Leader Poised For BBC Appearance
The BBC has again defended its decision to invite extreme right-wing politician Nick Griffin to sit as as panelist on current affairs programme Question Time.
Mr Griffin, leader of the British National Party, will tonight sit alongside cabinet minister Jack Straw, Tory peer Baroness Warsi, Chris Huhne of the Lib Dems and playwright Bonnie Greer.
BBC deputy director general Mark Byford said the station has a duty "of due impartiality".
Many have accused the BNP of promoting racism and a fascist agenda. Mr Griffin is one of the party's two European MPs.
The BBC insisted the BNP's increased polling at the last Euro elections warrants providing the group with a platform.
A formal request by Welsh Minister Peter Hain for the BBC Trust to review the decision was rejected yesterday.
Ken Livingston, the former Labour mayor of London, said the BBC would have to shoulder responsibility for any consequential racist attacks following this evening's broadcast.
It is widely predicted anti-fascist protesters will mount a demonstration at Television Centre later.
Mr Byford told Radio 4's Today the BNP should have the right to be heard and be challenged.
He said it was for the public who take part in the political programme and the viewers to make up their own minds about the the BNP's position.
"It's not for the BBC to censor and say they can't be on."
Director general Mark Thompson said it was the government's role to rule on censorship, not the BBC's.
"If there is a case for censorship, it should be debated and decided in Parliament. Political censorship cannot be outsourced to the BBC or anyone else," he said.
See: : BECTU Says No To BNP On Question Time
(PR/BMcC)
Mr Griffin, leader of the British National Party, will tonight sit alongside cabinet minister Jack Straw, Tory peer Baroness Warsi, Chris Huhne of the Lib Dems and playwright Bonnie Greer.
BBC deputy director general Mark Byford said the station has a duty "of due impartiality".
Many have accused the BNP of promoting racism and a fascist agenda. Mr Griffin is one of the party's two European MPs.
The BBC insisted the BNP's increased polling at the last Euro elections warrants providing the group with a platform.
A formal request by Welsh Minister Peter Hain for the BBC Trust to review the decision was rejected yesterday.
Ken Livingston, the former Labour mayor of London, said the BBC would have to shoulder responsibility for any consequential racist attacks following this evening's broadcast.
It is widely predicted anti-fascist protesters will mount a demonstration at Television Centre later.
Mr Byford told Radio 4's Today the BNP should have the right to be heard and be challenged.
He said it was for the public who take part in the political programme and the viewers to make up their own minds about the the BNP's position.
"It's not for the BBC to censor and say they can't be on."
Director general Mark Thompson said it was the government's role to rule on censorship, not the BBC's.
"If there is a case for censorship, it should be debated and decided in Parliament. Political censorship cannot be outsourced to the BBC or anyone else," he said.
See: : BECTU Says No To BNP On Question Time
(PR/BMcC)
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BNP Leader Griffin Pelted With Eggs
British National Party leader Nick Griffin has been forced to abandon a press conference outside Parliament after he was pelted with eggs. Mr Griffin, who was yesterday elected an MEP for the North West of England, was guided to his vehicle by his bodyguards and promptly drove off.
BNP Leader Griffin Pelted With Eggs
British National Party leader Nick Griffin has been forced to abandon a press conference outside Parliament after he was pelted with eggs. Mr Griffin, who was yesterday elected an MEP for the North West of England, was guided to his vehicle by his bodyguards and promptly drove off.
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