BNP leader Griffin could appear on Question Time

Published: Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:53:23

Nick Griffin, the leader of the British National Party, could be invited to appear on Question Time, the BBC has confirmed. A spokesman said the broadcaster was bound by rules to treat representatives of all political parties with "due impartiality". No representatives of the far-right party - which was elected to the European parliament in June - have yet appeared on the political panel show.

The BBC said talks were being held with other parties about the possible extension of an invitation to Mr Griffin, as some have previously refused to share a platform with the BNP due to its views on race. "We are in talks with the parties on Question Time which could feature Nick Griffin," confirmed the BBC's chief political adviser Ric Bailey. "It's worth noting that we often have discussions with people about who else is on the panel, but no parties can dictate who should or shouldn't be included."

He added: "Due impartiality is achieved both by ensuring appropriate scrutiny for each party and by the appearances of a range of politicians across a series of programmes. "Our audiences - and the electorate - will make up their own minds about the different policies offered by elected politicians." The move has caused consternation among the BNP's political opponents, with one unnamed cabinet minister telling the Sunday Times he would refuse to appear alongside Mr Griffin or any other BNP representatives on BBC programming.

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