A little earlier I complained about the BNP being described as "Far Right". I've drafted a letter to send to the BBC. Before I zip it off I'd be grateful for redrafting suggestions...
On this morning's Today programme John Humphrys referred to the British National Party as "Far Right". Mr Humphrys is far from the only journalist who does this. The Daily Telegraph, for example, has used the term in recent weeks.
I would like the BBC to consider adopting editorial guidelines that more accurately describe the BNP. You are rightly sensitive to how 'extremist Islamic groups' are labelled. It is also important that the BNP is labelled in a way that does not misrepresent its underlying beliefs and does not inaccurately link them in any way to parties of the centre right.
In some ways their professed patriotism might put them on the traditional right of the political spectrum although it is, of course, true that many on the Left also love their country. I would argue, however, that many of their policies come from a Left-wing, big state mindset. This partly explains their success in traditionally Labour areas. I think, for example, of the BNP's support for high rates of taxation on higher income earners, their support for nationalising strategically important economic assets and also their protectionist policies on trade.
The BNP might be better described as an ultra-nationalist party although I agree that that does not capture the full range of the party's beliefs.
I'm grateful for you considering this matter.
Tim Montgomerie,
Editor of ConservativeHome.com"
