Protests at the BBC

[GlesgaeHibby]

Are the people that are protesting at the BBC about Nick Griffin's appearance on Question Time aware that we live in a democracy?

I absolutely despise what Nick Griffin has to say, but I fully defend his right to say it.

Whether we like it or not, the BNP have a political representation (albeit a small one) in the UK now.

[ArabHibee]

I've just been reading about the protests over Nick Griffin appearing on Question time tonight. One student has been quoted as saying:

"We were in the main reception next to Piers Morgan when about 30 police officers turned up. There were about 10 to 20 of us and we were just standing there chanting in a peaceful protest."

So let me get this straight, you were within striking distance of Piers Morgan and were still more concerned about the BNP?

I really don't get some people.

[wpj]

I've just been reading about the protests over Nick Griffin appearing on Question time tonight. One student has been quoted as saying:

"We were in the main reception next to Piers Morgan when about 30 police officers turned up. There were about 10 to 20 of us and we were just standing there chanting in a peaceful protest."

So let me get this straight, you were within striking distance of Piers Morgan and were still more concerned about the BNP?

I really don't get some people.

:faf: missed opportunity

[Gatecrasher]

Are the people that are protesting at the BBC about Nick Griffin's appearance on Question Time aware that we live in a democracy?

I absolutely despise what Nick Griffin has to say, but I fully defend his right to say it.

Whether we like it or not, the BNP have a political representation (albeit a small one) in the UK now.Spot on

[GlesgaeHibby]

I've just been reading about the protests over Nick Griffin appearing on Question time tonight. One student has been quoted as saying:

"We were in the main reception next to Piers Morgan when about 30 police officers turned up. There were about 10 to 20 of us and we were just standing there chanting in a peaceful protest."

So let me get this straight, you were within striking distance of Piers Morgan and were still more concerned about the BNP?

I really don't get some people.

:top marks

[Phil D. Rolls]

Are the people that are protesting at the BBC about Nick Griffin's appearance on Question Time aware that we live in a democracy?

I absolutely despise what Nick Griffin has to say, but I fully defend his right to say it.

Whether we like it or not, the BNP have a political representation (albeit a small one) in the UK now.

I suppose the people who are protesting have a right to object as well.

[GlesgaeHibby]

I suppose the people who are protesting have a right to object as well.

It depends. They have a right to protest against the BNP BUT they are out protesting against the BNP airing their opinions, so in essence protesting against free speech.

[heidtheba]

Totally agree with previous posts. BNP are a bunch of muppets BUT they do have a right to say what they say. I hate that but that is democracy. I have to say that I don't understand the anti-fascist bunch today. BNP voters aren't likely to be put off by this (I wouldn't imagine) and therefore all it has done is give that party amazing news coverage.
I also think that any possibility of the BNP being forced 'underground' (if demonstrations like this ever work) is terrifying. Much rather have the racist lot attempting to follow some laws than to have them following none.
Its democracy that you have to defend the rights of people to say what they want (within reason) and an irony of democracy that you therefore have to fight for the rights of people you despise to air their views.
Another thing that worries me is not the BNP being in power, but the fact that so many voters see them as a viable and 'votable' group. That's the scary bit for me - not the party themselves.

[Sir David Gray]

Are the people that are protesting at the BBC about Nick Griffin's appearance on Question Time aware that we live in a democracy?

I absolutely despise what Nick Griffin has to say, but I fully defend his right to say it.

Whether we like it or not, the BNP have a political representation (albeit a small one) in the UK now.

Absolutely spot on.

I have used this quote on several occasions but it is one that I strongly believe in and it applies to Nick Griffin's appearance on Question Time;

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

In a democracy, sometimes you have to put up with things (and people) that you do not like.

So long as he doesn't break any laws, Nick Griffin has a right to say whatever he likes, just like anybody else.

I'm well aware of what the BNP and Nick Griffin stands for and he is an extremely unpleasant individual but from what I can see, the only people who have broken any laws today are the people who have staged violent protests outside the BBC studios, whilst injuring three police officers in the process.


I suppose the people who are protesting have a right to object as well.

Yes they absolutely have the right to object. Being allowed to hold a peaceful protest is central to the idea of living in a democratic country.

Unfortunately the protest that I saw this evening was far from peaceful.

[ancient hibee]

They've fallen right into his trap-publicity is just what he wants-they should show complete indifference and show he's not worth bothering about.

[Woody1985]

The real problem that most people have with the BNP is that they know there will be people who support them should they get more coverage.

Of course, some of the policies (can't vouch for all because I've not read them all) that the BNP have are wrong. However, if people want to vote for them in a democracy then you can like it or lump it really. You can use your vote to counter it.

Should someone like the BNP get into power of any sort and then start to change their watered down policies just now to fully blown ones then it wouldn't be uncommon with the lies that we're told from the mainstream parties on a daily basis.

The vast majority of politicians are slimy, sleekit *******s and there's no way of getting away from that. They will not give a straight answer to anything. Even though I was impressed with Sayeeda tonight even she dodged the question on civil partnerships.

[(((Fergus)))]

The real problem that most people have with the BNP is that they know there will be people who support them should they get more coverage.

Of course, some of the policies (can't vouch for all because I've not read them all) that the BNP have are wrong. However, if people want to vote for them in a democracy then you can like it or lump it really. You can use your vote to counter it.

Should someone like the BNP get into power of any sort and then start to change their watered down policies just now to fully blown ones then it wouldn't be uncommon with the lies that we're told from the mainstream parties on a daily basis.

The vast majority of politicians are slimy, sleekit *******s and there's no way of getting away from that. They will not give a straight answer to anything. Even though I was impressed with Sayeeda tonight even she dodged the question on civil partnerships.

She did rather :greengrin - didn't want to lose the audience, which she'd won over nicely by that point.