Freedom and the BNP

Nick Griffin's appearance on Question Time last night brought out some of the best and worst in British life.   The decision of the BBC to allow him air-time was absolutely right.   Freedom of speech in this country has been a cherished right for centuries, although it is being gradually encroached upon by political correctness and the dictates of the EU.   Loathsome though his views may be, Nick Griffin has as much right to express them as anyone else, and to me the distorted faces of the protesters in the crowd outside the BBC centre were just as distasteful as the opinions being expressed inside.

The BNP has two members duly elected to the European Parliament (which is more than can be said for most of the people who now make our laws).   Their following is largely made up of disaffected Labour voters, who do not believe that the Government has addressed their concerns, or ever will.   For this Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and their governments are greatly to blame.   Many of us agree with the concerns of these voters, though we would not go so far as to vote BNP.   Our voices are simply not listened to.

As Voltaire said, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".