The BBC Trust said yesterday's "ad hoc committee of BBC Trustees", chaired by Richard Tait, had decided it would not hear appeals on the BBC Executive's decision to allow Griffin, who will now become the first far-right party leader to appear on the show since it first aired in 1979, onto the 'Question Time' panel, "because to do so would be inconsistent with the BBC's constitutional arrangements".
released late last night said to intervene at this stage would be to "undermine the editorial independence of the BBC".
Richard Tait, BBC Trustee and chairman of the committee, said "it would be wrong for the Trust to intervene in a programme not yet broadcast — even one as plainly controversial as this" and said the decision was one for BBC director-general Mark Thompson.
He added: "Until it is broadcast, the content of Thursday's 'Question Time' is entirely a matter for the director-general acting as the BBC's editor-in-chief, and we have impressed upon him his duty to ensure the programme is fully compliant with the law and with the BBC's published editorial guidelines."
The Trust became involved after a number of complaints, including a high-profile intervention from Welsh secretary Peter Hain via a letter to BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons calling for him to block Griffin's appearance on the the programme.
Hain said the BBC could face legal action if it were to allow Griffin onto the show on the grounds the BNP had effectively been ruled unlawful due to its current constitution, which bans non-white members. Media lawyers have since dismissed Hain's warnings.
Repeated calls have also been made by anti-fascist campaigners and rival political parties to stop Griffin from being given a platform to share his views.
The BBC said 'Question Time' producers invited the BNP to appear on the show in adherence to rules regarding fair coverage of political parties.
The BNP now has two democratically elected MEPs, showing it has support at a national level. The BBC says it has no choice but to give coverage to the BNP if it is to maintain "due impartiality".
The other panel members scheduled to appear on tonight's 'Question Time' are: cultural commentator Bonnie Greer; Jack Straw, the Justice secretary; Sayeeda Warsi, the Tory community cohesion spokeswoman; and Chris Huhne, the Lib Dem Home Affairs spokesman. Home secretary Alan Johnson has refused to appear with Griffin.
The Daily Mail reported yesterday that security at Television Centre will be stepped up for Griffin's appearance, quoting a figure of £100,000 in extra costs. Protesters are expected to stage a demonstration outside the building.
The 'Question Time' audience, made up of voters with a cross-section of political allegiances, will include BNP supporters. The BBC is said to have increased security within the studio itself, to ensure smooth running while filming is in progress.
.jpg)
.jpg)