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BNP on the BBC: I predict a riot, I predict a riot

Written by Ruth Collins
Thursday, 22 October 2009 00:00

 

Given the build up in the press this past week, a riot could definitely be on the cards and tonight it may happen as BNP leader Nick Griffin takes his place on the panel of Question Time. No stranger to controversy itself in recent months, the BBC has received widespread criticism for providing Griffin with a legitimate platform to voice his views.

Although this is not the first time that UK institutions have granted Griffin the opportunity to speak in public. In February 2005, the University of St. Andrews invited Griffin to take part in a debate on multiculturalism but due to overwhelming public pressure, the invitation was swiftly withdrawn. Condemning the decision, Griffin claimed it was yet another “example of the violent and intimidating type of leftism towards the patriotic people of the BNP." A touch ironic really.

Oxford University also caused a real stir in November 2007 when it asked Griffin to take part in a debate alongside controversial historian David Irving.  Although plugged as “an opportunity to challenge” the pair, the decision incited public outrage and police were called in to surround the Union building to fend off protestors. Around 50 people stormed the building and delayed proceedings, but eventually the debate got under away and it was lauded a success by the university’s debating society.

Much of the protest concerns the fact that Griffin will appear alongside government representatives, including justice secretary Jack Straw. Appearing on the prime-time show last week, home secretary Alan Johnson criticised the BBC’s decision. He told the programme’s presenter David Dimbleby, "You may like to consider your invitation. There isn't a constitutional obligation to appear on Question Time. That gives [the BNP] a legitimacy they do not deserve.” Griffin’s appearance will also surely serve as a reminder that it is the very failure of other political parties, and particularly the growing disillusionment with the Labour government, which has does much to contribute to the BNP’s ascent in 2009. This was largely to blame for the party’s success at the European elections in June, where it won its first ever seats in a national election, parliament or assembly.

The ethical issues involved in reporting about the BNP have always plagued the media and the BBC does not seem to be shying away from the controversy. Just earlier this month it got itself into hot water over an interview broadcasted on Radio 1 with two BNP supporters, who were later exposed to be prominent members of the party ─ one was actually the BNP’s publicity director Mark Collett. The latter was charged alongside Griffin with inciting racial hatred a number of years ago but both were eventually acquitted in 2006.

Highlighting the party’s extreme racist views, the Radio 1 debacle signalled the need for tougher interviewers, who are fully prepared to challenge the BNP and not bow down to their rhetoric.  It remains to be seen how the panellists on tonight’s programme will cope with the task of denying the BNP yet another propaganda plug. Sadly our TV licences are paying for this, but if the show must go on, let’s just hope that Griffin won’t get the last laugh.