the Times has this which indicates that Labour is going to drop its policy of not sharing a platform with the BNP. This is a policy I have come to realise is nonsense. But the reason the story gives for the change is that the BBC is going to give the BNP air time on programmes like Question Time now that they have elected MEPs, and Labour will not have an empty chair. That is not a change of policy nor is it a reason for one. Refusing to have an empty chair is a matter of political expediency not of ideology. If Labour is changing its policy then let them tell us so - I for one think they should. The story quotes one M. Salter as describing the BBC's decision to give air time to representatives of a legal political party which has elected members as "lamentable", which epithet the OED defines as "deplorable or regrettable". He is entitled to that view, which I do not share, but tells us nothing about Labour Party policy on the issue. I really, really think we should be told. Changing a policy is a grown-up thing to do boys, so be brave little soldiers and just do it.
Oh and the BNP is legally constituted, but I believe their website still indicates that membership is only open to white people. If that is still the case then a legal challenge should be mounted, and fast.
6 comments:
Bearing in mind that the BNP now have elected MEPs I don't think it is any business of the BBC to silence them by refusing to have them on the programme.
Far better to expose them for what they are in a way that all can see.
I remember listening to Griffin in a radio interview just after he was elected when he stated quite clearly that a black person could not join the BNP------kind of says it all really!!
Why cannot Labour muzzle MS?
Wasn't the policy openly broken,last year,by Messrs Mackenzie and Powers at the Henley by-election?
it was indeed, well spotted, and who was running that election for Labour? Step forward Mr Salter.
The BBC have had racists and fascists on Question Time - Galloway, Tonge, Paisley and perhaps McGuinness and/or Adams.
Anon-----would you consider Galloway to be a racist or a fascist, or possibly both----how interesting! Perhaps you should call him on his radio show and take it up with him!!!!!!
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