Questioning Question Time

I am absoloutely opposed to the BBC's decision to allow the BNP's Nick Griffin to speak on Question Time and think it is the start of a process of 'mainstreaming' Fascism in the way that it has happened in Italy, where Fascists are in government and busts of Mussolini are a regular feature in local tourist shops - which I saw myself when I was in Sicily last year. I believe that we are witnessing a major seachange in UK politics and although I do not think his appearance on Question Time will lead to millions of new votes, it will give them considerably more publicity than they warrant and will influence some people strongly.

There is an argument that they will fall flat on their faces and be shown to be the liars and charlatans that they are, and I heard a similar argument from some recently at the Regional Council of the Green Party which I attended at York last weekend. I believe that we simply do not know and political data will not show us this until later but I still think that they are a credible political threat and should be treated as different from normal political parties.

I have always believed in no platform for Fascists and there are some who argue that this line is no longer effective now that they hold political office in the London Assembly and the European Parliament. But I am of the opinion that their diseased ideas must be contained and that arguing politely with them is not the way to do it. Furthermore, the recent attacks on the streets by the English Defence League on Muslim and other targets, indicates the old Fascist action of having two faces, which dates back to the Weimar Republic and Mussolini's Italy. One for the respectable middle classes and one for dealing with the Jews/Muslims and other political opponents on the streets and striking fear into your opponents. Only last weekend I heard that a major anti-Fascist campaigner in the Green Party is having to move house because of Fascist threats and hatred.

Though they may deny it, there is a clear link between the BNP and the EDL and also between the events such as the murder of a gay man in the middle of London recently by several young people, who are being influenced by the climate of hatred and intolerance created by these people.

That is why meetings and protests such as the one below are so important. A pig may dress in a suit and seem reasonable but it is still a pig. Fascism and the BNP will damage your health and that of your community. Like swine flu, it must be isolated.

Questioning Question Time

Emergency public rally

Wednesday 21 October, 7pm

Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL (Holborn tube)

Hosted by Unite Against Fascism

Speakers:Peter Hain MP Michael Rosen Hugh Lanning PCS Sabby Dhalu UAFKen Livingstone (invited) Dr Abdul Bari MCB (invited) Weyman Bennett UAFJon McClure Reverend & the Makers Gillian Walnes The Anne Frank Trust UKMartin Smith LMHR Supported by: BECTU, SERTUC, Anne Frank Trust, PCS, Unite the union, CWU, TSSA, Musicians Union, ASLEF and Love Music Hate Racism

Keep the Nazi BNP off Question Time

Thursday 22 October, 5pm onwards- recording of programme approx 6.30-7.30pmBBC Television Centre, Wood Lane (nearest tube White City)
Speakers include:
Mark Serwotka, PCS General Secretary Gerry Morrissey, BECTU General Secretary Jeremy Dear, NUJ General Secretary
CWU representative The Anne Frank Trust UK representative Sabby Dhalu, UAF Joint Secretary
Weyman Bennett, UAF Joint Secretary Plus others tbc
LARAG will have its banner there-please let us know if you plan to go
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Followed by a gig at Ginglik in Shepherd’s Bush hosted by Love Music Hate Racism
featuring live music and an ‘Alternative Question Time’ at Ginglik, 1 Shepherds Bush Green, W12. Doors open at 7.30pm starts 8pm. Artists include South London singer Mpho and DJ Rugrat. Entry £6/£3
http://www.uaf.org.uk/ l unite@ucu.org.uk l 020 7801 2782