BNP could be on Question Time every year and may be asked on BBC's other top political shows

By KIRSTY WALKER
Updated:

The BNP could be invited on to Question Time every year, BBC chief Mark Thompson revealed yesterday.

He said the level of public support for the far-Right party meant it was entitled to appear regularly.

The director general also suggested that BNP leader Nick Griffin could be invited to take part in BBC Radio 4's Any Questions?.

BNP leader Nick Griffin on Question Time

Row: BNP leader Nick Griffin on Question Time with host David Dimbleby (centre) and Justice Secretary Jack Straw (left)

Mark Thompson

BBC director general Mark Thompson says the BNP could be on Question Time as much as once a year

The comments risk fuelling the row over the BNP leader's appearance on the BBC1 show last week.

The BBC chief said he was responsible for the decision to let Mr Griffin appear on Question Time, but insisted he had not been motivated by a desire to boost ratings. Eight million viewers watched the programme, compared to the usual audience of two to three million.

Mr Thompson said BBC bosses had been considering allowing the BNP on to Question Time since 2004.

Giving evidence to the House of Lords Communications select committee, he said the corporation had a duty to give appropriate representation to minority parties.

Mr Thompson said: 'The underlying level of support for the BNP is around 2 to 3 per cent. In the European election, they achieved about 6 per cent. In the case of a party that continued to receive that level of support, appearances would probably be no more than one a year.'

He revealed that the number of complaints about Question Time had been in 'the low hundreds'.

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