Protesters are to gather outside BBC headquarters on Monday as the British National Party’s election broadcast is aired. The BBC is accused by campaign group Unite Against Fascism (UAF) of giving “unwarranted and uncritical coverage” of the BNP during the run-up to the election.

UAF’s protest at Broadcasting House in central London will be supported by the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (Bectu), as well as the Muslim Council of Britain and Jewish Council for Racial Equality.

UAF joint secretary Sabby Dhalu said: “The BBC has given unwarranted and uncritical coverage of the BNP during this election campaign, particularly on TV news and Radio 4, which has failed to challenge its racist scapegoating of immigrants and Islamophobia.

“The BBC’s justification for giving the BNP more coverage is the election of two BNP MEPs last year. This is misguided. Giving the BNP a platform and failing to expose and challenge it gives the BNP a veneer of legitimacy.

“The BNP is a fascist organisation, not a normal political party, and the public does not pay its licence fee to see fascists broadcast their politics of hate.”

Press Association, 26 April 2010

See also UAF press release, 25 April 2010