BECTU Says No To BNP On Question Time

Broadcast union, BECTU has criticised the BBC and Justice Minister Jack Straw for endorsing the BNP's participation in a forthcoming edition of Question Time.
The union has also pledged to support any member who decides, as a matter of conscience, not to work on the broadcast because of the involvement of the BNP.
The union said that the right-wing party should be given airtime to promote its "racist politics".
BECTU's statement came as the BBC confirmed that both BNP leader Nick Griffin and Mr Straw were among the panelists booked for a recording of the show, which will be hosted by David Dimbleby in London on October 22.
Commenting on the BBC's decision, BECTU General Secretary Gerry Morrissey, said: "Contrary to what the BBC has said, the BNP is not a legitimate political party in our eyes.
"Its policies are directly opposed to the democratic principles which underpin our multural-cultural society and those policies should not be given airtime."
The union has also criticised Mr Straw for his decision to take part in the broadcast.
Mr Morrissey said: "The Labour Party has always said that it would not share a platform with racists; this is not a matter upon which ministers should be permitted a 'free vote'.
"Jack Straw's decision is doing damage to his credibility as a senior government figure and to the Labour Party. We call upon him to reverse his decision to take part."
(KMcA/BMcC)