Let BNP’s Griffin appear on TV, says Davies

Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Chris Davies says the BNP’s Nick Griffin should be allowed to appear on the BBC’s “Question Time” TV programme.

The North-West Euro-MP has refused to share a platform with the BNP leader in the past. But now Mr Griffin is an elected member of the European Parliament, he should be heard, said Mr Davies.

He added: “If the BNP were to get their way, democracy would end in this country and I would likely end up in a concentration camp. But I am a Liberal and the principle of free speech is dear to me.

“Nick Griffin and his party secured 8 per cent of the votes in June. He is a duly elected Member of the European Parliament and, even though the BNP would deny others their rights, I believe he should be heard.

“In the past I have refused to share a platform with Nick Griffin, but in Brussels he sits on the same Environment Committee as myself, and we have the same speaking and voting rights.

“It’s an important lawmaking body and I will definitely not be leaving it simply because he is present.

“Democrats have to consider how best to combat the BNP. The best approach may now be to expose its racism and hatred through direct debate.”

At the weekend the BBC said it was obliged to treat all parties with the same impartiality, and the BNP’s electoral support at national level would be reflected in BBC coverage.