The expenses scandal revealed by the Daily Telegraph in May demonstrated how corrupt and out of touch MP’s are from their electorate. The astonishing claims made by politicians from all parties shook the British conscious, leaving little trust left in their elected officials. The European elections that followed were received by apathetic voters, many choosing to stay away from the polls.
There is little doubt that a prime time screening of Nick Griffin, answering questions from an audience, is going to boost his popularity. Giving a platform to racism will legitimize his views, and raise their standing in the public arena. However the decision made by the BBC to invite Griffin onto Question Time is a fair and justified one. Griffin is now an elected member of the European Parliament, and the BBC have a responsibility to discuss the views of mainstream elected parties. Instead of a judgement on the BBC, this is a reflection on the state of British politics.
Unfortunately those that will suffer from the display of mainstream racism on BBC 1, will be the ethnic minorities of Britain. However with the upcoming General Elections there needs to be a change. The key for ensuring that British politics is not over run by fringe extremist parties is by successfully engaging the voter in elections. This requires a full reform of the House of Lords, something that Labour has promised but not delivered. A fully accountable House of Commons, and the end of the political class that is out of touch from the people.
Those that decided to abstain from voting in June can only blame themselves for the rise of the BNP and their appearance on Question Time. The lesson that must be learnt by the British, is simply to vote.
The expenses scandal revealed by the Daily Telegraph in May demonstrated how corrupt and out of touch MP’s are from their electorate. The astonishing claims made by politicians from all parties shook the British conscious, leaving little trust left in their elected officials. The European elections that followed were received by apathetic voters, many choosing to stay away from the polls.
There is little doubt that a prime time screening of Nick Griffin, answering questions from an audience, is going to boost his popularity. Giving a platform to racism will legitimize his views, and raise their standing in the public arena. However the decision made by the BBC to invite Griffin onto Question Time is a fair and justified one. Griffin is now an elected member of the European Parliament, and the BBC have a responsibility to discuss the views of mainstream elected parties. Instead of a judgement on the BBC, this is a reflection on the state of British politics.
Unfortunately those that will suffer from the display of mainstream racism on BBC 1, will be the ethnic minorities of Britain. However with the upcoming General Elections there needs to be a change. The key for ensuring that British politics is not over run by fringe extremist parties is by successfully engaging the voter in elections. This requires a full reform of the House of Lords, something that Labour has promised but not delivered. A fully accountable House of Commons, and the end of the political class that is out of touch from the people.
Those that decided to abstain from voting in June can only blame themselves for the rise of the BNP and their appearance on Question Time. The lesson that must be learnt by the British, is simply to vote.
Posted in Analysis, Comment | Tags: BBC, BNP, Question Time, vote