PETE WISHART MP SEEKS CLARIFICATION FROM BBC SCOTLAND ON BNP PLATFORM.

PETE WISHART MP SEEKS CLARIFICATION FROM BBC SCOTLAND ON BNP PLATFORM.

BBC Scotland has been asked to clarify its policy on the broadcast of programmes involving BNP representatives, after BBC Wales ruled out allowing the overtly racist BNP a panel platform in any of its programmes.

SNP Westminster Broadcasting spokesperson Pete Wishart MP has written to BBC Scotland controller Ken MacQuarrie seeking clarification – as questions mount over the decision to allow BNP leader Nick Griffin a seat on the BBC Question Time programme.

Mr Wishart said:

“The BNP should simply not be allowed a prime time platform to peddle their deeply offensive views. They are a party whose very constitution is illegal, and who have no base in Scotland.

“BBC Wales has ruled out any involvement by BNP representatives in their panel programmes, and BBC Scotland need to send the same clear message. Just as in Wales, the BNP have no elected representatives in Scotland – they have never kept their deposit in an election here and managed only a derisory vote in the European election.

“Scotland's political parties have an agreement not to share a platform with the overtly racist BNP, which was reaffirmed in the recent European election. There is a real question of judgement here over the Question Time decision which exposes the inconsistency of BBC Network’s approach to party representation in debates.

“If BBC Scotland do indeed follow the practice of BBC Wales, then it begs the question of why any BBC output involving the BNP should be allowed to be broadcast in Scotland.”