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Wales secretary Peter Hain has launched a last-ditch attempt to block an appearance by the BNP on the BBC's Question Time programme later this week.
Hain has written to BBC director general Mark Thompson arguing that the BNP is an "unlawful body" meaning its appearance on the programme could be open to legal challenge.
The cabinet minster demanded the suspension of the "abhorrent" inclusion of BNP leader Nick Griffin leader on the political debate show
Griffin is due to appear on Question Time opposite justice secretary Jack Straw and Conservative and Lib Dem panellists.
But the corporation is facing a backlash over its decision to give the party airtime.
In his letter, Hain said the BNP was illegally constituted because it does not allow ethnic minority groups to become members. The BNP has since agreed to review its eligibility criteria, but will not have changed its constitution in time for the Question Time appearance.
Hain said: "If you do not review the decision you may run the very serious risk of legal challenge in addition to the moral objections that I make."
The BBC has said it will respond to Hain's letter in "due course".
Anti-fascist campaigners have said they will stage a demonstration against the BNP leader's presence on Question Time at Television Centre in west London when it is filmed on Thursday.
Hain, a prominent anti-apartheid activists before becoming an MP, told BBC Radio 5 Live that it was wrong for the corporation to treat the BNP the same as other political parties.
"What they do not deserve, in my view - and the BBC has taken an extraordinary decision here - is to put them alongside the other parties as equally legitimate, equally respectable, when we know they are a racist party with fascist roots," the cabinet minister said.
"I think that puts them in an entirely separate box."
Article Comments
Mr Hain has no business attempting to limit freedom of speech. This applies to political views as much as the climate change and European integration arguments. The Government must leave the citizens free to express their views. Attempting to limit them is a clear indication of their own insecurity.
c sworder
19th Oct 2009 at 5:46 pm
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd
Chipolatus
21st Oct 2009 at 6:55 pm