It amazes me how far-left and lefties think that they are the only ones entitle to enjoy democracy. They are no better than the far-right they decry.

There is no reason for not allowing "far right groups" or "far left groups" to participate in democratic debates. Isn't democracy about diferences of opinion????

I consider myself fairly liberal and cant believe the outrage this is causing. Surely its a good thing that he is allowed to air his veiws which goes against a lot of what he is trying to impliment.
I hate to say it but a lot of people in the UK feel the same way as he does with regard to immigration althought it is usually from an ignorant understanding of the matter. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets more votes after tonight but he still is entilted to his say as he has been elected to do so.

well... theres not much to say.. everyone has the right to display their views in public, even in mainstream TV. Whilst i am not at all in argreement with the BNP's nationalistic and often racist views, their input will help to raise questions about social cohesion, multiculturalism and religious tolerance which are often taken to extremes in Britain.

Who is CNN to judge who is "far-right" ?

Why not? arn't far left wing groups allowed to participate in debates? what's the diference and why all the fuss?What are people scared of? Surely, is this not what democracy is all about?Allowing diferences of opinion?

I applaud the BBC for actually taking this stance and allowing the British public to make up its own mind on the BNP.
To assume we are all going to be brainwashed by what Nick Griffin will have to say is tantamount to lunacy. Hopefully enough, the Question Time program will have given him this platform to publically hang himself with his words and the hate that lies behind them.

Was it not Voltaire who said "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".

Is the left-wing afraid to debate with and put down the BNP ?

If their views are as controversial and problematic as most are calling them, I would think that people should find it more disturbing that they hold any political seats than the fact that they will be on TV.

For the sake of freedom of expression big YEEEEEEES

Nationalism is that natural response to the chaos and imminent collapse of the western societies
People that enjoyed a good lifestyle a good retirement are now being told that the future is becoming dark and all they see around them are immigrants with loads of children claiming all sorts of benefits
And people are being told that they must accept this because rich nations have the duty to help, primitive, corrupt, 3rd world nations
At this moment I don't see how someone cannot be a nationalist
But there will always be the so called "lefties" with their sense of remorse of events from generations ago that prefer to turn against their own nation in favor of a homogeneous indistinguishable amalgam of people without identity

Absolutely any viewpoint in a liberalised democracy should be aired and allowed to be aired. Protesting such is a right, too. But if I can see a jihadi espouse his view of total world domination on TV, why not the counter-point. I am a liberal guy, myself, and I am capable of living through the input of another's views.

democracy = freedom of speech
If you suppress free speech just because you do not agree with the speaker you are one despicable human being.
Free people have Free speech.
Free speech is not only polite speech, it MUST include unpopular, far right, far left speech, and speech that offends. That is true free speech.
If you deny it you are at the level of fascist or communist dictator.

What is amazing about this situation is the ease that far left groups are allowed to not only voice their views, but enjoy real power in Europe today. The "Die Linke" party in Germany being just one of many examples.

The only logical response by a free-thinking and clear-headed public to this event is the outright hypocrisy of the leftist philosophy.

Yes absolutely.

He is only saying what most of us who live in England already know.
Of course if he was a Leftie or a Muslim i am sure he would be welcome with open arms.

Nick speaks for far more people than you imagine.

Ever heard of free speech? I don't see questions like this asked or surveys done for far-left speakers. The hypocrisy from lefties is just unbelievable. The far-left is far more intolerant than any other political persuasion that exists today.

i suppose the big difference is that if the BNP got into power, it's the last fair vote the British people would ever be allowed.
It only takes a vote to get them in, but it'll take a war to get them back out again!
Also you cannot gift freedom of speech to those who use it incite violence against others, that's NOT what freedom of speech is about!

This is a democracy.We need to hear his views to make up our own minds .Stop treating people as morons!If I had a talk show I would invite extreme right , extreme left,middle, and Islamic fascists too.
America seems much more mature in this respect. Of course I also agree with the right to protest against him appearing on the show.
What all sides MUST remember is that in a democracy using violence is Anti democratic.

"It amazes me how far-left and lefties think that they are the only ones entitle to enjoy democracy. They are no better than the far-right they decry."

Couldn't say it any better. Democracy is a two way street. In an age of cabinets and administrations with no spines, willing to bend over for any lobbyist, it's about time that BNP is allowed some headway in the political scene.

Sad fact: Scientology is more readily accepted than nationalism.

An even sadder fact: There are more Indians and Pakistani's living in England than Irish families.

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/meg1202.pdf

I'm an American and the BNP has my full support in having every right as any other recognized political organization.

John, you obviously have no idea what's going on in England at all! We on the left have just as hard a time getting what we want! Are you aware that over a quarter of the immigrants who arrived in the UK in the last ten years have gone home? Yet nothing's gotten better has it!

It never fails to astound me at how blind the right can be.
that Nazi certainly doesn't speak for me!

Whats the big deal? The Far Right in the USA have numerous platforms such as Rush and Fox News.

Hey UK welcome to our world......

I think the BNP is one of the few entities in Britain that is out to safeguard and protect the future of the British people. They should participate on all panels regarding their country's and ignore fascist, communist, moslem and negroes whose only interest is Britain is to enjoy the social welfare system, the health system, a high standard of education that is not available in their own backward countries.

Why are they frightened of him speaking are the afraid more people will agree with his views I am not against controled imagration but the the UK has changed beond all recogonistion over the last ten years through uncontroled imagration and the older British people now fell strangers in there own country.

what is the point of democracy if all sides are not allowed to voice opinions? slice it any way you'd like but this shows complete discrimination and hypocrisy on those in an uproar about Mr. Griffin's appearance.

Yes Mr griffin should be allowed to talk. That is what freedom is all about.
In fact the people who are protesting are the onec who are breaking the law.

Of course he has the right on be on TV, If the right is refused then you take away the right of people to make informed personal choices, and therefore think that they are too stupied.

It appears to me that the Left think they are the only 'right thinking ' people...

If Mr Griffin is so obnoxious and hated by all then surely we want him to vent on public TV he will then gain no more support – may even lose some.

Maybe... there are more closeted right wingers out there than the left likes to beleive..

We cannot claim to be a democratic country if we do not allow free speech of all those parties whether either elected, or campaining towards being elected to represent any portion of the British society. We often have left wing hardline views transmitted on natinal television, it is entirely correct that the full spectrum of views are aired, most of the British electorate are capable of independant thought. In the interests of balance, this must go ahead.

Most definitely. A minority of the immigrants in the UK have too many rights. Benefits are handed out readily which is why so many choose to settle in the UK. There are indigenous problems which need sorting out before immigrants flood the country.

No they shouldn't be given a platform to spew crab about right wing agenda, which their forefathers fought to abolish during the 2nd world war! The BBC is hypocritical letting them have a voice when they wouldn't let an aid campaign for Palestine be aired after the Isreal invasion...

Why is this the lead story on CNN? Not because of Griffin's Question Time appearance, but because of the violent protests staged by the 'anti-fascists' at the BBC studios.

I abhor racism as much as I cherish democracy and the right to free speech.

But by resorting to violence in such an idiotic manner, all these people have done is to draw more media attention toward Nick Griffin. Exactly what they set out to protest in the first place.

Shame on you!

Why not – what else is free speech ?

Let them speak and us decide.

i am very surprised and shocked how you people find these scandal as normal and tolerate it. You must visit a concentration camp and read how Hitler rosed to power. Then , you can see he used the same arguments and politics as modern far-rights are now doing.

you guys must not forget how much damage Nazis made to Europe. They killed millions of innocent people! They are still denying Holocaust. I truly believe that if this party (BNP) leader has power he will also make another Holocaust against another believe and they will not follow the rule of democracy.Because, They have nothing but hatred against all the different people and believes.They know nothing but race, immigrants.No forget immigration helps keeping old Europe alive. These alcohol addicts can only drink beer and watch football and blame other people.

England must not give the way to this party to power. i am also very surprised how EU find these scandal as normal and tolerate it.

The difference between right wing and left wing is that at it's core, the right advocates hatred and bigotry. While you may agree that freedom of speech should accomodate such negativity, it is not obliged to dispense it as if it were good for you. The right wing agenda is not good for you – it's apocalyptic and destructive. It is at it's extremes, anarchistic. While the left may admonish, it doesn't seek alienation. There is no place for hatred on the public media.

Let the man talk. Anyone with half a brain should be able to realize what he is. One of the flaws of democracy (as seen in nazi germany) is that it gives the people the right to elect a totalitarian regime. So Vox Popluli man. If brits want a facist government, let them have it. But if you buy that ticket, you must be ready to take the ride...

"The BBC is hypocritical letting them have a voice when they wouldn't let an aid campaign for Palestine be aired after the Isreal invasion..."

Are you DAFT?

The NBP is promoting BRITISH nationalism, not PALESTINEAN rights.

Fix your own country before you start worrying about someone elses unless it directly affects yours.

Exactly why shouldn't they be "given a platform"? What part of democracy, under what clause is it stated "the aforementioned groups are NOT allowed the freedom of speech:"?

what part of freedom of expression dont understand.
your are sopose to use it for the good of mankind not of worse of it,
and right wingers dont be foolish to be happy on your acheviment

NO room for a racist politician ,and he should not appear on tv.It is better for him to keep silent if he comments are bitter.

If the BBC is consistant and give opposing radicals the same opportunity to speak then yes, I do think they were right in inviting him. Of course with the condition that what he wants to say isn't hate speech.

The more worrying aspect of this, to me, is that this phenomena seems to be spreading as this the hottest topic here in Sweden right now after the leader of our version of the BNP, Sverigedemokraterna (the Sweden democrats), was allowed to write flat out lies in our biggest evening newspaper, Aftonbladet.

It's obvious that xenophobia and/or islamophobia are big issues in many societies which means that an open and intelligant debate is necessary. A debate and information ABOUT xenophobia that I think would benefit these societies more than yelling and blaming.

This is not a Stalinist state, you can't ban discussion just because you find it distasteful! The BBC is right to allow this debate, and possibly educate people who might otherwise vote BNP in error. Censorship solves little, debate can do a lot.

Glad to see he has a platform. It's about time!

Every political entity should be allowed to freely demonstrate it´s views through any democratic means possible, any attempt to stop this from happening is censorship. Mr.Griffin has all the rights to appear on TV.

one one hand, i agree that everyone has freedom to express their opinions, but then on other hand, do we allow someone like hitler acces to public like this?

if this BNP guy is spewing hatred, then dont invite him into BBC, just let him have his own channedl like Fox

Notice how close the left are drawing racism and nationalism together? It's pathetic. I'm a strong nationalist. Have been since I was a small child when I learned that live in one and that it's our common heritage, language, and culture that binds us together.

Multiculturalism, and unchecked immagration are chipping away at national identities. Now love for your country make s you a racist in many eyes.

Sad and infuriating at the same time.

I Think that ideas that have been proved that are no good for humanity should not be in discusion today. Its like taking an old news and put it as very new. Love is the only old news that has to be present every day.

"NO room for a racist politician ,and he should not appear on tv.It is better for him to keep silent if he comments are bitter."

No offense Mr. Hajir,

The only thing the UK has NO room for is immigration.

There's plenty of room for political discussion without silencing peoples opinions outright for the sorry excuse that they're "offensive"

I may not agree with what he stands for. But I support the right that he should appear on 'Any Questions' The English nation will be watching.

It is exactly the ideology of not becoming involved old chap and the apathy of the British people which allowed binge drinking to become Britain's national sport, or passtime. Again it will be the apathy of the British people which will allow the Brittish way of life being completely overruled and totally eradicated by Islam. Why is that it only needs one Pakistani to gain access to Britain for his Uncles, Aunties, parents Brothers, Nephews, Nieces, Cousins to be allowed permanent residence in Britain where once there they force their Islamic values onto the British people and they start fomenting radicalism annd violence and that is what Griffin is fighting against

"laurence October 22nd, 2009 1851 GMT

Why are they frightened of him speaking are the afraid more people will agree with his views I am not against controled imagration but the the UK has changed beond all recogonistion over the last ten years through uncontroled imagration and the older British people now fell strangers in there own country."

The lack of education betrayed in this response speaks volumes about the kind of people who support the BNP.

The more dangerous and crazy the idea, the more important that it should be exposed to public scrutiny in the glaring lights of a TV studio. The protesters are simply fascists of a different variety. They don't trust ordinary people to make up their own minds and want to dictate what people can and can't hear.

Finally... a country that cracks down on nuts stealing the public limelight. It's too bad America is so pissy about its "Free Speech". Part of the dumbing down process that's come to define American political discourse.

The Daily Mail – Britain's second biggest-selling newspaper – has been attacking immigrants for at least 10 years, and in the process has done far more to promote racial hatred in this country than the BNP ever has, and hopefully ever will. (It's also worth noting that the Mail's readership is predominantly middle class – in the British sense of the word ie reasonably affluent – and rarely likely to encounter illegal immigrants, much less be threated economically by them). To be fair to the BNP, it picks up support from people who do understandably feel (albeit wrongly) that immigrants are the source of all their problems. Sure, let Griffin go on Question Time, and let's stop pretending that the BNP is the only racist organisation in Britain. Above all else, the BNP is just plain silly; you may as well set up a political party to campaign against telephones as campaign against any immigration. Move on guys...

Why not? The far left is well entrenched in BBC (and CNN) already.

I personally don't agree with giving a far right leader his own broadcast. However I do feel that legally he has every right to get one. Understanding his "hatred" might be beneficial to the public so that they dont go down the same road this man has.

Absolutely he should be banned, look at the radicals on US television that do nothing but incite rebellion and anarchy, allowing them to be on TV just makes them look mainstream and gives them more influence than they should have.

Of course he should be allowed on TV, he is a citizen of England , isn't he? Besides the Nazis are far left not far right, they were socialists.

About time the BNP got some airtime, if they are a nationaly recognised party they have the right to portray the views they believe in wether some of them are innapropriate or not!

Let Mr Griffin speak! He has every right to do so just as the liberal left does.
I thank Almighty God for Mr Griffin! & the BNP!

Tom Hanks

We cannot deal with political ideologies in a radicalism way. Otherwise there is a good chance to have a "left party dictatorship". Trying to be neutral, BBC showed both sides and everyone has the right to expose their thoughts, even though it's against the majority opion or common sense. Give a voice for someone who doesn't share the same opinion doesn't mean to instigate or perpretaded hatred, it just means to be able and wiser to listen to the both sides.

Hail The BNP and Nick Griffin! Smash Left wing scum!

Do something to stop the fascist behavior in people demonstrated by Griffen, Hannity, Rush, Savage, and Glenn Beck. These guys are poison to a society. They should be stopped from influencing cultural insanity or made a laughing stock of. Maybe allow them on, but prior and post appearances warn or inform people of the their destructive and distasteful ranting. Feature them as comics or raving maniacs full of hate and fear.

Why not? Why does it seem that the liberals think they are the only ones entitled to free speech. Is the liberal party so weak and scared of anyone who has a different opinion than themselves? That smaks more of hitlers facism than anything!

I am more concerned about the fact that extreme parties are rising in Europe as well in the European Parliament as in national parliaments. We all suffered a lot because of them in the course of European history.
But democracy is about having the right to free speech. So let's live up to the priciples and let's trust the public wisdom with judge them.

The far left are shaking in their boots

Sure he has the right to speak on television, and I think he has a valid point. Look at France,Italy, and America, all countries that are good examples of an out of control immigrant population. I heard some video stores in London sell al qaeda training videos, I think we have a problem people.

An equally valid question would simply be "Should far-left leader have TV platform?"

Far-Right does NOT mean being anti-Semitic or racist – just because Hitler was. In fact, he initially started his meteoric career as a National-SOCIALIST that slowly "contracted" to NAZI before losing control over their thoughts and actions as human beings.

BNP has an agenda and is entitled to promote it through any and all media available.

In a nutshell, BNP does not like, nor want, Muslim immigrants that are unable to adapt to the British way of life. In other words, BNP does not want Muslims to bring their demented "Caliphate" to U.K. These individuals are considered, and rightfully so, enemies of the nation.

Their mentality, the strange and ridiculous garb their women are obliged to use (or risk "honor killing" by their own families), the state of abject slavery women must live in, the behavior and misplaced loyalty of most men, make ALL Muslims unwanted guests. Therefore, BNP believes that they should not be allowed in the U.K. (or anywhere in Europe, for that matter) and should be sent back to their country of origin as soon as possible.

Putting this topic to a popular vote, it would be easily carried with over 75% of the cast and valid ballots. This inconvenient truth is throwing Leftists into a tantrum since they will be deprived of the raw material from which a new proletariat maneuvering mass could eventually be created.

The BNP is a successor to the British Union of Fascists and the National Front. If they got into power the first thing that would go would be freedom of speech. They are racist and vile in their opinions and should not have been given a platform on the BBC. When Le Pen went on a similar programme in France, his poll ratings doubled. I live in an area that has BNP councillors and hope to goodness that we can get them out at the next election.

EVERYONE should have a right to express their views regardless of what anyone else thinks of them. In this country both sides of the isle use name calling to try to shut down discussions of the direction of the nation. Trying to express disagreement with the democratic plan in congress gets you quickly branded a racist. Disagreement with the conservatives equals socialism. We need free and open debate on all issues and the public deserves to see the legislation before it is voted on. We don't need to depend on rumors or statements from politicians on legislation that is being written behind closed doors.

We are supposed to live in a democracy, and the BNP has been elected to represent some UK regions in the European parliament by over 1 million people. He should be allowed to represent his party – whether you agree with him or not. The BNP was elected (on a protest vote) due to the failure of the current government to put in place adequate safeguards to prevent the current torrent of immigration which is taking away work from residents (of all colours and races).
I disagree with much of the BNP policy, but he did come up with some nuggets of information which were worthy of comment – and curbs on immigration is a major issue in the UK. Unemployment is rising fast, and it is madness to allow more people in when we are over-crowded. The United States is controlling immigration tightly to protect Americans – and it is common sense to protect the resident population.

I thought he was given a rough time on Question Time, and wonder whether the BBC's Hard Talk interview programme might have been a more effective platform.

It's about time someone in a political position had the guts to stand up for what is right. England belongs to the English by blood not to the foreigners who have relegated her to third world status. Are you listening Germany, Canada, Australia and New Zealand?

If the BNP has any public support, and there is any significant number of people who might consider voting for them (and in this case I believe there is), then yes, they should be allowed to participate in mainstream politics... If the other parties are so sure that the BNP is misguided, then they shouldn't have any trouble playing politics against them.

The BNP has what I would consider a legitimate platform – they want to have more control over it and how immigrants are assimilated into British culture. I don't think I see much difference between this and what the government is presently doing and promoting in France, Switzerland, and Australia. It seems to me that the BNP doesn't have a racist agenda – just a cultural one. And frankly, when there are people rallying in the streets of London calling for "Death to the infidels", I'm not sure I can blame them. Islamic culture and laws relating to rights and freedoms should stay in Islamic countries. I think the BNP has this idea front and centre.

Comparing them to the Nazi Party is petty and simplistic.

It would probably never happen or be allowed but why not?

Absolutely, The BNP should have been on the air . Any puke who would say otherwise does not believe in free speech. Maybe the Left wing Liberals should be banned.

Any party should be heard so it's positions are understood. Any party working in the dark or not stating clearly what it stands for should be seen as it is – pointless or misleading. A party that can come out and support a particular position – popular or not – should be able to state it's case. This is the point of open forum. People will decide how to vote based on whether they have facts or no facts. Sometimes casting light on a thing allows you to see a thing, then you can decide for yourself what it is or how you agree or disagree with what it is. It is better to have facts than myths about any organization. You can decide on facts and not misperceptions whether any party supports your views or doesn't. But consider any argument or positions it takes with a measure of common sense. Is a position correct, or isn't it?

Truth fears no inquiry.

BNP and Mr. Gdiffin have the right to be present just as the Asian and Islamic representatives as long as they publicly accept and defend the British constitution and do not indulge in Anti Britsh activities overtly or covartly.
An Indian immigrant to America.

If a leader with Griffin's message was allowed to express him or herself by the American media they would receive massive support. Anyone who doesn't tow the line of the globalist, illegal immigration worshiping ruling class who want to impoverish and displace the Americans whose ancestors built this country is demonized. Witness CNN's constant one sided pro-immigration propaganda. Time for an American National Party.

Far right? Okay.

Nazis, no.

And it's not quite clear how Nazi this guy is. But it smells like Nazi.

It's amazing how righties want to stop the left from doing anything and then stand up for the farthest right among them. He does seem very defensive and seems to be trying hard to cover it up.

Anthony October 22nd, 2009 1814 GMT

An even sadder fact: There are more Indians and Pakistani's living in England than Irish families.

The Brits starved so many of them and treated them really badly, no wonder there aren't so many left and those who are don't want to live in England.

Why would any Irish family want to live in England?

October 22nd, 2009 1706 GMT

It amazes me how far-right and righties think that they are the only ones entitled to enjoy fascism.

ha ha ha!

I am an India by birth, a proud Canadian by citizenship.

I totally agree with BBC in giving 'Nick Griffin' an opportunity to air his views on the TV (after all that is what true democracy is for) but i was appaled to find the whole forum being hijacked by a bunch of people in the audiences who shouted him down.

I feel it is those members in the audiences that should be thrown out than Nick.

Here in Britain, democracy is constantly being eroded. Freedom of speech has become freedom of approved speech, in order to combat ageism, sexism, racism etc. The government intends to bring in compulsory identity cards, and to record details of everyone's phone calls, emails, internet activity and car use by a network of motorway cameras, to combat terrorism. The USA at least has a Constitution to draw a line in the sand. Be thankful for it.

We can not take all the poor people from the third world . We stopped having kids because we knew this day was coming. On the other side, the illegals who break into our country, try to have a baby every 11 months . The baby and the baby's mommy will get all the welfare
money can buy, thank to the tax payers who had only 2 kids. But still must work hard ever day to take care of the thousands that has been born in this country.

I'm from Sri Lanka. During the colonial time British brought hundreds of thousands of South Indian Tamils to work in their plantations. Even though it's been more than 100 years, still those people were unable to join with the majority. It's the wish of indigenous (as Griffin says) people in any country, to keep their country's identity. Not to make it a salad like USA.

This thing finally created 30 year long civil war which destroyed thousands of lives. Even though the war is over, the problem is still there. It seems British are going to have their pay back time.

"The vast majority of this audience find what you stand for to be completely disgusting"

Give me a break. The audience was selected precisely on that basis.

Suddenly the liberals become the reactionists. It is amusing that the very members of the so called legitimate, respectable, democratic political parties are so concerned their voters might find the BNP program appealing the moment they hear about it. Could there be something wrong with the legitimate, respectable, democratic political parties? The aggressive calls for censorship are certainly a bigger concern. It makes those "liberals" less respectable and democratic.

I not only believe the BNP should be allowed to express its' views but they are right on Muslim immigration to the UK. It's a disgrace, the mainstream parties under the influence of multiculturalism have created a firestorm that threatens British identiy, culture and democratic values.

Of course.

NO!

CNN Is asking for your opinion and not judging, Martin. Don't be naive. You are either a bully from America; That's what you do online and to other weak countries.

Everyone in a free society should have equal opportunity to exercise their free speechn ad views.!

Yes , Nazis should speak on TV. Its interesting from psyciatrist view.
Psychotics have the right to speak , as all people and patients.

OK, you can't allow every crazy person on TV, but someone who has substantial support and influence should of course be allowed to share their views.

Why would you not?

Because you disagree with their opinion?
(In which case, you don't really like democracy)

Because you think their opinions are dangerous, inciting hatred?
(In which case, you don't believe in the intelligence of the public or the power of your own arguments – and you want out of democracy.)

Let him speak, and calmly and respectfully point out any errors of logic in what he has to say. If he says he's not a Nazi, he's not a Nazi. You don't need general slander labels to challenge specific opinions.

I am a German and, of course, I don'l like the Nazis. But I think we should fight the opinions of these people, and not try to suppress free speech. We should not act hysterically as soon as someone criticises someone else. We have the better arguments and we are the majority. Why are we so terribly afraid to let others express their view of the world? In Germany there is no free speech anymore. Political correctness ueber alles (remember the holcaust). Let that not happen in your countries (UK and USA).

Dear Sirs, please understandthat I do not like the BNP, the US Republicans or radical Muslims. However, I do think all should have an equal voice and should be heard. Therefore, I support BBC's allowance of Griffin's rights to be heard.
If this doesn't happen, you don't get news, you get a political twisting of stories. In example:
Take CNN, you started as a great idea by Ted Turner and grew in fame and influence. The latest is you are losing viewers hand over fist. The perfect example is the case of 7 poor white people you happily criticised and helped to put in prison. Now that US Ohio black women admits to lying. You haven't even covered it.
Take Obama, you continue to report all gossip in his support while not supporting or reporting his absolute lack of getting anything done.

Yes,
That is a freedom of speech

some day americans of european origin will be forced to return american continent to genetical indigenas, in the same way they have been forced to return from asia and africa, and people like Chavez, Morales, Correa or Ortega are only a first step to claim the whole american territory, maybe in four or five decades, when indigenous descendants will be majority in the US. In ten years all of us will have access to our whole DNA sequencing at a very low cost, less than one hundred euros, and this will have inmediate impact over our exact genetical consciousness. Sure this huge amount of genetical info will boost something like a new type of Israel´s like reinvindicative "genetical right to the land property", as territory will be a more and more scarce resource, as population will double and will be more long-aged. Griffin is right in this point of targeting indigenous issue for europeans. Race is not a myth of the past, but a key issue, a DNA backed argument of the future fight for human resources, specially anything related to earth´s surface property.

There is freedom of speech in the UK which many political parties take avantage of , both right and left wing . The BNP is just another one of those parties . They also have the right to have their say .

The reference to 'Nazi' is historically incorrect as they were not democratically elected by the people just as Staline was never elected. Those regimes that so many refer to to scare one or the other side grew up in societies that would be considered today authoritarian, ignorant and definitely misinformed which is not the case today in Europe, USA and many other places but sadly not all.
Censorship for whatever reason is incompatible with freedom of speach and democracy. The BBC being a world wide respected institution has a duty to air the opinions of the British people.
The right to an opinion and to protest is exactly what is missing from the countries from which immigrants are coming.
It seems more comfortable though to complain about 'facist' Europe than for them to fight for their rights and make their own revolution and overthrow the dictators that are ruling their countries.

Yes the BNP should get the same air time as the other political parties. In Britain and America the facsist liberal let have been killing the freedom of speech. As for Islam it needs to be stopped (go to Act for America, stop sharia law) before we have no right to all our freedoms.

nick griffin should absolutely be allowed a platform. someone has to have the courage to speak against the encroachment of an incidious conspiracy to take away our freedom to drink beer.

Yes, let him speak.

no. are you crazy?

BBC should use logic, they do not promotes drugs like cocaine,dagga etc neither would they show nudity on TV, i think what BNP stand is racially graphic and anything graphic is banned on BBC TV. it does not mean that if BNP has supporters , their ideology should be promoted on TV.

On the one hand it's the duty of the free press to give everyone a say because it's important to keep us all informed. On the other hand freedom of speech can go so far that it actually breaks up society. In the U.S. for instance we see that some people (like FOX) can claim whatever they like and millions and millions of Americans believe them. The result is that there's no common ground, no truths that are held self-evident in America, just ideologies that fight eachother ferociously and in doing so undermine America itself. Although a civil debate about the pros and cons of British immigration policies is necessary, it's important to protect UK politics from the phenomena that crippled the US.

Of course! What are these people afraid of? I am a jew, my mothers family was annihilated in the war, and I take offence at any comparison of jews in 1933 and muslims now. Even in Holland we think of England as a silly country because of its accomodating islam, for example by prohibiting the fairytale of three piglets being read in schools. Even muslims think that is foolish. Fortunately, things will change next year, after the UK elections.

I have been the victim of racial hate all my life my first experience of it was my first day at school.
People like this have nothing but hate in mind. To mask this hate in the guise of immigration is shallow and ignorant and deceitful. It is ironic to think that the largest influx of immigration is from white European countries, yet the BNP cry is of Muslims, Asian, and Blacks causing the problem. Who gave anyone the right to call another country the third world? They are corrupt and fight wars with guns and ammunition supplied by the west. There is a problem in this country, the problem is ignorance! Countries like China and India will soon be at the forefront in the world, and it will be interesting to see how UK nationals would like to be branded a third world country. It is time for the people of the United Kingdom to pull their head out. Education is the key to competing in a world market and dealing sociological economic problems not hate.

BNP 4ME ! ! !

A complicated situation that basically represents the eternal fight to the death between Right and Left. Maybe these obsolete concepts ought to be discarded nad other, more realistic and in tune with our times, found and used adequately? Or even better: no labels!

These people are great demagogues, as Hitler also was. With their speeches and body language they bring fright into the hearts of their viewers. Fright and jealousy is a natural element in humans and animals, something very unchristian and what Jesus of Nazareth stood up against. There is always a reaction to fright, the answer is flight or attack. Due to the nature of humans, it is easy to manipulate them. Therefore it is very important to keep these hate-mongers out of the lime-light, news media have a special responsibility. News media schould and must boycott these people, if they want to remain serious in the eyes of the public and not value short-term gains.

AT NO TIME DID THE HOST FORCE THE OTHER PANELISTS TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS MR GRIFFIN ASKED OF THEM BUT WAS PERSISTANT WHEN QUESTIONING HIM .THREE MILLION UNEMPLOYED BUT WE NEED MORE IMIGRANTS .

U K is a democratic country and evrybody has a right to stay and evrybody has a right to exercise thier religion freelyand mr.Griffin has no right has no right yo stop the freedom of expression, he is totally wrong.
vandana
mumbai, India.

we know what happens when we give ground to facists...
no they have a right to free speech but this is giving them a massive platform a broadcaster has the right to decide what to show.

also what left wing in Britian? all major party's are right wing so no one represents the working class's economic needs, this gives the BNP an easy target, a move to the left from Labour would diffuse this situation, bailing out bankers while not intervening in the royal mail postal dispute on the side of the people which it claims it represents in a public service is not what i expect out of a labour government.

If people equate not calling ethnic minoritys by racist slurs, and not delivering homophobic insults to gay people PC. Then I'm proud to be PC it's matter of decency and morality

Yes, but they should always be discriminated.

Seems like Griffin is part of the wave of other European personalities that are justly fed up with being told what we should do in our own place. Of course this is directed at so called Muslims requesting special treatment in accordance with their religion, most Europeans have fought to separate state and church affairs and that's how it should be.
Now when I read that European women are jailed or thrown out of Muslim countries because of the clothes they wear, and then some biblically dressed beardfull muslim as the nerve to call us racist, come on clean up your own act. Europeans do not have exclusivity for racism by far.

It's a shame though that all other foreigners are suffering from prejudice caused by those god mad people.

im not in anyway sectarian, but griffis is only saying what rest of population is thinking, most of these immigrants see uk as a soft touch, they come and benifits are handed out left right and centre, no other country would do it, certainly not within eu, britain is broke and getting poorer while still handing benifits out to anyone in world who comes with there hand out, and the party responsiple for all this labour , with no idea how to plug the leaking boat hms great britain

In a democracy, absolutely!

The problem with reasonable people is that we believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to be heard and to express their right to free speech. However when these bigots come to power they stifle all other voices save their own through the control of the media.

I would estimate that 60 to 70 % of British citizens agree with some of Nick Griffins comments....mainly immigration....currently we have a 50/50 birth rate......50% indiginous and 50% foreigners......the foreigners have 4 or 5 children and we have 1 or 2. Our health service is stretched to breaking point and our benefits system is being abused.....a large percentage of the foreign folk are criminals and they dont make an effort to speak the language....All the other parties are spineless, weak, politically correct idiots. BNP represent what the British public feel.

"It is ironic to think that the largest influx of immigration is from white European countries, yet the BNP cry is of Muslims, Asian, and Blacks causing the problem. Who gave anyone the right to call another country the third world?"

Where do you think UK nationality came from? The Gauls, Celts, etc. NOT muslim nations.

The UK will not ever be a third world nation, short of nuclear apocolypse.

Even going by your mentioning that Education is the key to competing in a world market...

Education is EXACTLY where countries like India and China lack, which is why nationalities like Indians, Pakistani's MOVE to the UK, for employment and education.

Everything you wrote is completely hypocritical and ass backwards. If it weren't for nations like the UK and the US, nations like India, Pakistan, and China would be completely left in the dark.

Unless you want to live in a country like India, China, Pakistan, where there is NO freedom of speech to any degree... You should realize that freedom of press and freedom of speech, allowing Griffen to speak like any other citizen, let alone political figure is essential to Democracy.

Bottom line Dennis. you=fail.

Yes, because if unwelcome and/or offensive speech is silenced, then freedom of speech, one of the proudest principles of the Western civilization that this character (Griffin) claims to be defending, is nothing but an empty phrase. A tough and fearless debate and constructive, peaceful discussion is sorely needed about the challenge of integrating people with totally divergent and clashing belief systems into a modern, pluralistic society, and ALL viewpoints should be heard!

Totally agree with Dennis.

This man is basically saying that a British born person with foreign heritage is an illegal immigrant!!!!

Yes he should be allowed to speake! The media in this brain dead liberal world does not like reality any more. If you are not pro abortion..and Pro homo. And anti war.And anti-Christian and jew.. the A.C.L.U. ( the terminal cancer of America). Wants to keep your appinion silent. This world is going to hell.

yes he should be given time on the bbc. 8 million viewers watched with interest.
i applaud cnn on reporting the comments on the show in full without bias on not cut in such a wat as to make the comments sound like they were not. unlike the bbc who cut sentences in half.

I think every leader form all political parties has the right of being on TV.this is somehow the freedom of speech,but that man is a racist,it is easy to understand that and i guess ppl in U.K somehow supports him,if he has a lot of supporters in that country it means he is a beloved leader,as u know guys british ppl are mostly racist so it is normal to see those kind of men on TV overthere...

It's amazing, this is happening all over Europe. Some, particularly the left, feel somehow the "owners" of free speech, when the historical case against the left (Soviet bloc et al) doesn't give them a good track record to begin with.
Democracy is all about free speech: if we censor and restrict who-what-when-where over ideologies that are usually the domain of those without any valid arguments, then we can kiss our liberties goodbye.....

English, how does it feel being colonized by foreigners? I doubt you have any moral right to complain of immigrants when you have been colonizing and robbing other countries for the last 200 years, and is still practicing that now... i.e. Falkland.

It amazes me to see how easy it is for Muslims living in Europe to fight democracy with NO OPPOSITION from those who demonstrate against Nick Griffin's TV appearance.
The "Full Sharia Law" demonstration scheduled for October 31st in London by Muslims groups is based on outrageous statements like this one: "we have had enough of democracy and man-made law and the depravity of the British culture."
Will those who demonstrated against Griffin's intransigence be there to fight against those who want to take away our democracies? Of course not! That would be "racist".
WHO has had enough of democracy?? Not those Sharia muslims! That's exactly why they can say outrageous things like these in all impunity!
To those who are afraid of racism, I suggest you pay attention to those who scream "Death to Occident" and "Death to infidels", because they're going after you as well.

I believe in freedom of speech, but Nick Griffin should not be given a public platform to spout his hatred, England have enough problems when it comes to race relations.

Whilst it is undoubted that Griffin has had a racist past, his party has 2 MEPs in the socialist monstrosity that is the EU. Like it or not, that has given his party some legitimacy. His main policy is that of immigration, a policy that every main party in this country is avoiding for fear of being branded racist.

Jack Straw, the Labour MP on the panel on Thursday, did everything but answer the question when asked whether his party's immigration policy was a direct contribution to the gain in popularity and votes for the BNP. Straw rambled on about nothing and had to be reminded to answer the question on several occasions. And to top it all off, today a former worker for the government said that Labour had deliberately opened the UK's borders for immigrants to rub it into the noses of the Tories. These Labour MPs should be prosecuted for their actions and the sooner they are out of power the better.

Of course he has the right, if you do not allow it it causes me to think the other parties are afraid he is right

I have had a total gut full of these weak kneed ninnies, namely tory labour and the other one.
They niether know or want to know about average people struggling to keep a roof over our heads.
They are too far gone, they have had it all for too long.
It's the common mans turn now to speak out against the well to do.
It's about time we woke up to this, born into or not scam called British politics.
I really hope the BNP get very close to gaining power.
They look as good as it gets in comparison.

It shows that we stille have freedom of expression in Europe. The lefties and their (Muslim) fundamentalistic allies want this and other liberties taken away from us. Here in Europe immigration is draining our resources and undermining at a fast pace our values and identity. If you point to this or propose a solution you're called a right-wing fundamentalist.

of course they should.
I lean more left than right, and I think absolutely they should. If their message is full of hate, and holes, then they other parties in the debate shouldn't have an issue calling them on it. If it is a legitimate message, then fair play to them.
Dictating who can speak and who can't becomes a very slippery slope.
Besides, he is a Member of the Euro Parliament, right? That is a voted in position....so someone likes enough.

Yes, by all means!
Give them enough rope to hang themselves. The more they expose their positions the more they are exposed to public rejection

When the question is presented in "free speech" terms, then more will side with that. But if clear examples of hate speech are presented, then I think more people will agree it not be broadcast. It also raises real questions why a person is given a media platform given what they've publicly said before. Or should all sorts of racist nutters be interviewed by the media?

Here's an example translated into English from Dutch from the document 100 hate quotes by Geert Wilders:
http://www.watwilwilders.nl/download/100haatcitatenPVV.pdf
This org is taking Wilders to court in January 2010 for inciting racial hatred.

#53: "We should put the islands (Dutch Antilles) up for sale on Marktplaats.nl [like e-Bay]. The highest bidder may have them.”
–Algemeen Dagblad, 22 October 2007
(Taking into account the huge percentage of African-Caribbeans on the islands, and what's being suggested, would CNN broadcast this?)

We've got more translated into English if CNN would like them.

Just a sign of the times – this will be a turning point

When the Nazi's started to persecute innocent men women and children. I guess for the average German of the day the economic fears where used as a tool much like immigration to pedal hate and lunacy. The BNP are about hate we all know it. Immigration in every country should be looked at in a logical and sensible manner. The USA, Canada all have immigration policies that are not dominated by hate. You fools who decry freedom of speech is the right of every hate pedalling Nazi, should be warned as if they ever rise to power your freedom of speech will be taken away from you. As history has shown us not all German agreed with hate or the extermination of Jewish people. However the hate soon stifled reason. I would also like to point out that my own dad nearly lost his life in WW2 fighting this hate. Also I have lost two family member in Iraq fighting a different type of hate called extremism. So we should all be clear what this issue is about. It is not about immigration it is about the people who hate and should a society give a platform to this hate. We will see soon enough the seeds of hate sown by the likes of the BNP. The BBC should be ashamed, I would compare the BNP to the likes of Osama Bin Laden, both are filled with hate.

Hateful One: Anthony
Comment:
"It is ironic to think that the largest influx of immigration is from white European countries, yet the BNP cry is of Muslims, Asian, and Blacks causing the problem.” Who gave anyone the right to call another country the third world?"

“Where do you think UK nationality came from? The Gauls, Celts, etc. NOT muslim nations.” Idiot stating the obvious, and shows your bias. Oh you forgot the Pics and the Norwegians, Danes,

“The UK will not ever be a third world nation, short of nuclear apocalypse.” You need to wake up and take a good look, China has already passed the USA economically. India has a surplus of post graduate students. The UK is already intellectually dwarfed!

“Even going by your mentioning that Education is the key to competing in a world market...”

“Education is EXACTLY where countries like India and China lack, which is why nationalities like Indians, Pakistani's MOVE to the UK, for employment and education.” No they come here to work & work hard. Soon this will change as economically their own countries flourish and come into a golden age. Have you ever travelled to India? I would bet you never have but are prepared to spout out inaccuracies and hate.

“Everything you wrote is completely hypocritical and ass backwards. If it weren't for nations like the UK and the US, nations like India, Pakistan, and China would be completely left in the dark.” The only person in the dark is you! The Indians had been performing plastic surgery four thousand years ago. The Egyptians had a knowledge of chemistry and electricity when they built the pyramids. Over 300 years ago the people ok the UK were cannibals. Was it not China who invented gunpowder?

“Unless you want to live in a country like India, China, Pakistan, where there is NO freedom of speech to any degree... You should realize that freedom of press and freedom of speech, allowing Griffen to speak like any other citizen, let alone political figure is essential to Democracy.”

India is the largest democracy in the world, your statement alone verifies my premise ignorance is the problem that faces the UK and you have proved it by your attitude, your hate & your bigoted view. It is the government that sets the immigration rules of the country not foreign nationals. So to exploit this argument to pedal hate is wrong.

“Bottom line Dennis. you=fail.” You who have no moral compass. I am not against free speech I am against the people who hate for a living and try and twist situations to cause turmoil this in my view is anarchy. Even the Queen loathes the hate pedalled by these village idiots! Perhaps you would like it to go back to the 70’s era when cowards threw brick at people of colour and shouted racial abuse, BNP = (Nazi + National Front) In this case we all loose my brother we all loose.

to:Prof. Dr. Raj K.C. Bali- Funny how you spout hitlers rise as justification for your own censorship views. You spout exactly the smae rhetric and self ritious views as the people you profess to b against. How would you know what it is about? you dont want to hear them out. in fact you dont want anyone to hear them speak. So what does that make you? Again more hypocricy from the "tolerant" left. So confident that their views are the only correct ones. and so afraid of any opposing viewpoint, that the must be silenced because your views are the only ones worth protection. Prof. Dr. Raj K.C. I do believe your swastika is showing sir!

"Author: koonComment:English, how does it feel being colonized by foreigners? I doubt you have any moral right to complain of immigrants when you have been colonizing and robbing other countries for the last 200 years, and is still practicing that now... i.e. Falkland. "

Koon- Funny how you only really spout on about things that happened centuries to go. You obviously have a very biased and limited view on history, as we were far from the only ones doing it. Second your silly little argument only proves what the BNP says. Perhaps if you had fought harder against us "evil forigners" this wouldnt be an issue. you asked how it feels?..Ill tell you. It feels like nothing because unlike you, we wont let it happen!

UK is the perfect example of what is and will happen to america if we let it. They moved to more socialistic system which is bankrupt. They gave up their right to bear arms. they are being invaded by illegals to are notthere to help the nation, but to convert it to the same terrible places they fled from. Their freedom of speech is slowly but obviously being eroded in favor of their new liberal masters. Pay attention. America is next if we dont stop the NWO

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXTREMISTS -FROM THE RIGHT OR FROM THE LEFT – EXCEPT, MAYBE IN THEIR KILLING METHOD.

HITLER PREFERRED THE DEATH CAMPS, STALIN THE GULAGS, MAO THE REEDUCATION CAMPS, THE DEATH MARCHES AND OFTEN THE SINGLE-BULLET-IN-THE-HEAD SOLUTION. A MATTER OF TASTE, NOTHING ELSE.

WHILE THE RIGHT LOST THE WAR, THE LEFT CLAIMED IT WON IT. IN TRUTH, IT DIDN'T. WWII WAS WON BY DEMOCRACIES NOT BY DICTATORSHIPS.

WITH THE SO-CALLED PROLETARIAT TIRED OF HEARING THE SAME OLD JIG TIME AND TIME AGAIN, THE LEFT NEEDED A MANEUVERING MASS ASAP OR DISAPPEAR IN THE GARBAGE BIN OF HISTORY. SO IT DECIDED TO PROMOTE AND DEFEND MUSLIM EXTREMISM AND EVEN TERRORISM.

THIS ALLIANCE MAKES THE "NEW LEFT CUM ISLAM" A REAL AND IMMINENT DANGER TO HUMAN FREEDOM ALL OVER THE WORLD. WHAT CAN BE WORSE THAN THAT? BBC GIVING NICK GRIFFIN AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN HIS POINT OF VIEW AND HIS IDEAS? FRANKLY, I DON'T THINK SO. NOT AT ALL.

The real threat to democracy in the UK is Islamic fundamentalism, not the BNP.

Why shouldn't he have a platform? Are we afraid of something? Afraid, perhaps, that somebody will believe him?

His opponents are always saying – implicitly and/or explicitly – that they are championing the cause of democracy andf freedom. But the way they go about it, looks suspiciously like "I know what's best for you and you're damn well going to do what I want or else! Long live democracy and freedom, but shut up and do as I tell you!"

I've always thought that democracy also meant that there should be room for opinions you didn't agree with, no matter how despicable they might be. Am I wrong?

Yes they have the right to be heard.

This is not the first time for the British to ban someone that does not agree with their thinking. Dr. Michael Savage has been banned from entering Britain to debate a team from Cambridge. This goes to show you what free speech means in the UK

yes as they are uk mps voted for via public and eu mps voted for via public.

if mps have problem then sorry uk mp and lordsa llowed them to be mps.

As a native American (Mescalero Apache) and very keenly following this story of uncontrolled British immigration.
I only wish 'we' had more of such brave activist as Nick Griffin and the BNP here when 'our people' needed them!

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Michele Dawn Thomas. It was the same ignorance that laid waste to your rights in America. You should be aware the BNP are a far right political party, underpinned by hate of all people other then what they perceive to be white. Immigration for sure needs to be looked at by the government. But we must not let them fool people into thinking they are a democratic political movement. The rights they serve to protect is not the British people, they are only interested in xenophobia. Interesting they choose to ignore science which points to the fact that we all have a common ancestry in Africa. One love, one people, one world!

i only have one thing to say and that is whatever happened to freedom of speech? let the man speak!