Wednesday, 21 October 2009

BNP leader Nick Griffin accuses police of abandoning his security at BBC

Nick Griffin, the BNP leader, has accused the police of refusing to discuss security arrangements for his visit to the BBC on Thursday.

Anti-fascist campaigners plan to stage a protest against Mr Griffin's presence on Question Time when it is filmed at the BBC's Television Centre in west London.

Mr Griffin said the party has formally requested that the Metropolitan Police appoint a liaison officer so he could discuss police arrangements for his entrance to the studio.

He said a "middle ranking" officer told him, "It's your problem, not ours."

Mr Griffin added: "I merely wanted to arrange a meeting to discuss the situation and for the police to appoint a liaison officer so that I can actually get into the building safely.

“In such a situation, this is standard procedure and a perfectly responsible thing to do but they refused outright. It was explained that the reason for the request was to ensure there would be a minimum of public disruption outside the BBC studios on Thursday.

“I can only deduce that the police will simply stand and watch if, as is quite likely, there is disruption when I arrive at the studio. I asked the police to put this in writing but they refused.

"This is an outrageous dereliction of police duty and I am minded to seek a judicial review in view of this action, or rather in-action."

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said they had a policing plan for the planned demonstration and added: “The plan includes ensuring that Mr Griffin gets into the building in a timely and safe manner. His security once inside the building is the responsibility of the BBC.”

Mr Griffin warned that there would be a “hysterical atmosphere” in the studio but claimed there was enormous public support for him to appear on Question Time and there was "absolutely no reason" why he should not.

He said: "Far-left groups have been applying in droves to appear on the programme and I suspect that opinion on the party within the BBC will be well represented in the audience. There will be a hysterial atmosphere, both inside and outside the studio which could well create serious problems. I would not be surprised if there is so much heckling that it will be impossible to speak.

"I am a bit bemused by all the fuss. After all, when Gerry Adams appeared on Question Time there were no problems at all."

SOURCE

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