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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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Former Chairman Of BNP Expelled
The former Chairman of the British National Party (BNP), Nick Griffin, has been expelled from membership. A Conduct Committee established by new Party Chairman, Adam Walker, took the step in a letter to Mr Griffin on Wednesday. Mr Jefferson of the Conduct Committee stated: "This has been a difficult decision to make and not one taken lightly.
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The former Chairman of the British National Party (BNP), Nick Griffin, has been expelled from membership. A Conduct Committee established by new Party Chairman, Adam Walker, took the step in a letter to Mr Griffin on Wednesday. Mr Jefferson of the Conduct Committee stated: "This has been a difficult decision to make and not one taken lightly.
22 July 2014
Leader Of The BNP Steps Down
The leader of the British National Party (BNP) has stepped down. Nick Griffin said that "fifteen years is more than long enough" and he "initially hoped to hand the responsibility over several years ago". Adam Walker is now the Acting Leader of the party, pending the routine leadership election due under the BNP's Constitution next year.
Leader Of The BNP Steps Down
The leader of the British National Party (BNP) has stepped down. Nick Griffin said that "fifteen years is more than long enough" and he "initially hoped to hand the responsibility over several years ago". Adam Walker is now the Acting Leader of the party, pending the routine leadership election due under the BNP's Constitution next year.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
