But, asks Kenan Malik, should those who have so far shunned the party now engage with them?
Next month Nick Griffin, leader of the British National Party, will take his seat at the BBC’s Question Time table. Around that table there will be the justice secretary and Labour MP, Jack Straw, and representatives from the other two main political parties. Mr Straw’s decision to share a platform with the BNP is a reversal of Labour Party policy and has prompted soul searching among some members. Until now, Labour has refused to appear alongside the BNP and Home Secretary Alan Johnson has publicly stated that he would not debate with someone he considers to be a racist. For the BBC, the success of two BNP candidates – including Mr Griffin himself – in the Euro elections in June meant that an invitation to Question Time was inevitable. Ric Bailey, chief political advisor to the BBC, says that the corporation “cannot discriminate between parties according to their policies. That would be a breach of impartiality”. With others, however, the impartiality argument cuts little ice. Chris K
