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Let BNP’s Griffin appear on TV, says Davies
Date published: 08 September 2009
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.
Comments
If the BNP are so bad then they should be easy to defeat in a debate. I would be quite happy to tackle their policies without any fear, but our politicians won't. The problem is that the government policies on immigration and particularly positive discrimination are so prejudiced that the BNP will run rings round them.
Chris Davies is a moron. What a pathetic biggoted remark to say he would end up in a concentration camp if the BNP were in power. Its idiotic,ignorant remarks like his that only goes to fuel the BNP vote. The common voter, unlike chris davies, realises immigration cannot continue as it is. I am not a racist but am a realist and this country needs a party with a backbone,whether it be the BNP or anyone else.
Like them or not, the BNP are a legitimate political party and have as much right to appear on QT as Labour etc. If you disagree with their views, beat them in open debate and let the public decide! Isn't Davies denying them their rights; what else will he censor because he thinks he knows best? If celebrities can appear on QT because they are celebrities, why not the BNP?
What ever happened to freedom of speech? I say let him on, he will probably only make a fool out of himself and the BNP anyway.
Agree with Davies, his views should be made public so that people can judge for themselves.
I know from what I have heard Griffin say what I think of him and his party.
Davies said, 'If the BNP were to get their way, democracy would end in this country and I would likely end up in a concentration camp.'
See it's not all bad news is it? Gear yourselves up folks lets try for a record turnout at the next 'Eurolections'
And the BBC are quite correct!!
the BNP either love 'em or hate 'em are a LEGITIMATE political party, so why shouldnt they be heard on the BBC??
myself along with MANY others would be very interested in what he has to say!!
B..
Mr Davies ought to learn that in a democracy everyone has the same speaking and voting rights, whether or not you agree with their views.
If he is so concerned about the BNP, why leave it until now to speak up, and why jump on the Euro gravy train so long ago if he wants to be an effective member of the legislature?
The BBC are not doing this because they feel it is the right thing.They are forced to do it,same as ombc,the only time they do anything is because the law states it and they have to.
All these people care about is their jobs........bring on the BNP so the likes of fightback can see how a decent party is run.
Alex - I welcome the "debate" to be had. I have heard your saviour speak; still waiting to see how a decent party is run!!
Griffin is a fascist who preaches division and hatred, I know which way I'll be voting. Neither you nor he scare me...bring it on.
That's free speech, given to me by my Grandfather's sacrifice in the Second World War.
Fightback says... 'a fascist who preaches division and hatred' sounds like a description of Abu from Finsbury Park and the other so called preachers
That's right watersheddings- both cut from the same cloth, glad you recognise it.
Have Your Say
Does this liberal live on this planet, look at oldham democracy was removed by the previous ineffective administration (labour) that only allowed the race card to rule, this current administration is even worse, look at the academies a total debacle, they can’t even stop taxis drivers using bus lanes & bus stops for their own parking places. Planning permission is governed by religious PC but only for one….. I welcome the BNP
By Keith @ 08/09/2009 12:49:47