World

Protests at BBC over Nick Griffin Question Time Appearance, Video

by Jordan Yerman | October 22, 2009 at 08:15 am

120 views | 14 Recommendations | 2 comments

Anti-fascist demonstrators from Unite Against Fascism showed up outside the BBC Television Centre in West London to protest the appearance of British National Party (BNP) leader Nick Griffin's appearance on BBC Question Time. A friend of mine who works at the BBC went straight to Facebook to tell us about it, saying that "[the protestors] have surged into the reception area".

The demonstrators (there are hundreds) clashed with police, but apparently nobody was arrested.

By 3.30pm, about 150 protesters had gathered outside the main Television Centre reception on Wood Lane, west London, chanting slogans including: "Build a bonfire, build a bonfire, put Nick Griffin on the top, put the Nazis in the middle, and burn the fucking lot."

It is understood that Griffin is due to arrive at Television Centre around 5pm.

Demonstrators from all over the UK are showing up by the busload as part of an organized protest, even as BBC directors defend the decision to invite such a divisive figure to appear on Question Time:

Byford's letter added: "The BBC is obliged to act with impartiality towards all legal political parties registered with the Electoral Commission... The success of the BNP in winning representation in the European Parliament at the recent UK-wide election is a factor which we are bound to take into account when making our assessment of what constitutes 'due impartiality'.

However, the question must be asked: just because racism has some popular support, does that make it legitimate?

"We spoke to the police and they started grabbing us. They grabbed one person and we started chanting 'Ian Tomlinson' and then they put us into a corner."

Nick Griffin profile (BBC)

4 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend Add a comment

generaldecay

at 08:42 on October 22nd, 2009

There is outrage about this, and I can certainly understand why. I'm partially disgusted, and partially wiling to let his nasty and dangerous views be aired for all the world to see just how reprehensible he is.