There has been a political storm over here in the UK, over the last couple of weeks, over the BBC's decision allowing the leader of the BNP, to
appear on its major public political programme.
Befoe I post quotes, and links:
Incase anyone does not know what Question Time is: Here is some information about the programme:
Question Time is a topical debate television programme in the United Kingdom, based on Any Questions?. The show typically features politicians from at
least the three major political parties as well as other public figures who answer questions put to them by the audience. The Audience being mainly
made up from the Public.
It is usually recorded about 2 hours prior to transmission, but has been broadcast live as recently as May 2009 when the broadcast came from Salisbury
at the earlier time of 9pm BST.
The current series began on 24 September 2009 and is currently being shown on BBC One at 22:35 on Thursdays (and slightly later in Wales).
Information About The Programme
Now the BBC Took a decision in September to invite the leader of the BNP onto the panel, since the BNP obatined over 1 million votes, during the
recent European Elections, this the BBC claims gives the BNP legitamacy as a political party, the same as say the UKIP, or the Green party.
Now we have had Ministers from the Political parties claiming, what the BBC is doing is illegal for one, also they are giving a platform to racists to
spout thier veiws on a major poltical progamme, which gives them legiamancy to spread thier hatred to the British Public. Welsh Minister Mr Hain,
also went onto say, that since the Courts have issued a ruling, stating that since the BNP excludes, Blacks, asians etc from other communities to
obtain membership to thier Political Party, that they are not legally a potlictal party.
The BBC are claiming that since it is thier duty to impartiality towards any poltical party and to the public. That it is right that the BBC invites
the Leader of the BNP onto the poltical programme to discuss issues, or event challenge him on the issues his poltical party claims.
Also the BBC claim that if legal action is taken to stop the appearance of Mr Griffins on to the show, that in itself is censorship!
The UK's equalities watchdog has begun legal action against the British National Party over concerns about ethnic restrictions on its membership.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission said limiting membership to those of an "ethnic origin" described as "indigenous Caucasian" was
illegal.
Legal Action Over BNP Membership
BBC TO ALLOW BNP ON QUESTION TIME
Deputy director general Mark Byford has said it is not the BBC's role to censor the BNP as criticism mounts ahead of the party's Question Time
appearance.
He said the BNP's Euro vote meant the BBC had to allow it on as part of its "responsibility of due impartiality".
BBC DEFENDS DECISION ADMIST PROTESTS
The BBC has rejected Welsh Secretary Peter Hain's warning that it could face legal action over BNP leader Nick Griffin's appearance on Question
Time.
The show is due to feature Mr Griffin and other panellists on 22 October.
Legal Action Warning - BNP Question time
I would like to hear others views on this?
I myself think he should be allowed to appear on the show, he has already appeard on News Channels, as well as other poltical programmes. So why not
this one. Okay it gives his party a platform to sput thier hatred, bu there will be other panelists on the programme to challenge over his views,
infron of the public, and it gives the public a chance to challeng my Griffin over his parties views or rules.
[edit on 22-10-2009 by Laurauk]
[edit on 22-10-2009 by Laurauk]