BNP set for Question Time appearance

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The BBC is set to invite BNP leader Nick Griffin to appear on flagship political programme Question Time.

Griffin was elected as an MEP for the North West region in June’s European elections.

His colleague Andrew Brons was also elected, giving the party its first ever MEPs.

Labour politicians have previously refused to appear alongside the BNP, which they regard as racist, arguing that to do so would legitimise its policies.

However, the European elections, in which the BNP won 6.3 per cent of the vote, may prompt a change in tactics.

Labour said it will conduct a review of its non-engagement policy and in the event that Griffin was asked to participate in Question Time, a Labour figure would appear.

Ric Bailey, the BBC's chief political adviser, said: "We are in talks with the parties on Question Time which could feature Nick Griffin.

“It is 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."

Politicians from the UK Independence Party and the Green Party have appeared on the show in recent years.

Griffin has been a guest on other high-profile BBC political programmes, including the Today programme on Radio 4 and BBC1's Andrew Marr Show.

Last week the BNP said it will change its whites-only membership policy after the Equality and Human Rights Commission began legal proceedings against them.

Its constitution says membership is "strictly defined within the terms of ... 'indigenous Caucasian' and defined ethnic groups emanating from that race".

Griffin wrote on the BNP website: “The move is a deadly serious threat to our very existence.

“I have no doubt that it is possible to redraft our constitution so as to ensure we comply with the new law while at the same time holding true to our core principles and most importantly of all, to our purpose - which is to secure a future for the true children of our islands.

“By taking this as far as a court hearing, we have ensured that party unity will be maintained, because whatever steps we take, it is now crystal clear to all concerned that we simply do not have a choice."

Redrafting the BNP's constitution needs the approval of two-thirds of party members.

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