'Griffin on Question Time could spark racist attacks' warns NUJ leader Jeremy Dear

NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear joins other trade union leaders in a letter to the Guardian today condemning tomorrow night's appearance on Question Time of BNP leader Nick Griffin. The letter claims: "There is a real danger that the broadcast may have unintended, tragic results: racist attacks have increased in areas the BNP target. For example, in Barking and Dagenham — where the BNP has 12 councillors — according to figures from the local Race Equality Council, racist attacks increased by 30% between 2002 and 2004.
"Moreover, the Central London county court ruled on 15 October that the current BNP constitution contravenes equality legislation. Therefore, as an "unlawful organisation", they have no legitimacy to appear in the media and should not be given a platform to promulgate their views. Given the court ruling, it is even more pressing that the BBC should consider its invitation to Mr Griffin."
The Guardian reveals today that BNP supporters have been invited to be in the Question Time audience.

Meanwhile, the Sun has kept up its attack on the BNP with another editorial describing Griffin as "BNP snake-in-chief".

The BBC Trust is meeting today to discuss the matter.