BNP objectors backed by union
BECTU has confirmed that members will have union support if they refuse to service a planned right-wing election broadcast.
In a letter to all major UK broadcasters, BECTU has promised to back members who decline, on grounds of conscience, to help transmit a party political broadcast (PPB) by the far-right British National Party.
The letter, sent to BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, ITN, S4C, Ulster TV, and BSkyB, reminded broadcasters that they were under no legal obligation to transmit the PPB, and would be accused of increasing racial tension by giving the BNP airtime.
Anti-racist campaigners, and trade unionists supporting Unite Against Fascism, plan a demonstration outside BBC Broadcasting House in Central London from 4.30 pm on April 21, to coincide with the scheduled transmission times of 5.55pm on BBC2, and 6.30pm on BBC1.
Other broadcasters are likely to put the BNP broadcast into their schedules, and any members seeking advice should call BECTU Head Office on 020 7346 0900.
[BECTU has since clarified the scope of its advice, and intends its support for members to apply only in circumstances where they decline to work on official Party Political Broadcasts by the British National Party. Members are not being advised to embargo normal editorial references to the party.]
Letter sent by BECTU to:
BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, ITN, S4C, Ulster TV, and BSkyB
20 April 2005
BRITISH NATIONAL PARTY AND THE GENERAL ELECTION
As I am sure you are aware in past General Elections the British National Party were granted a free election broadcast which was transmitted by most of the broadcasters.
BECTU is of the view that the only reason the BNP wish to broadcast is to increase racial tension. The BNP is also a party whose manifesto calls for the forced repatriation of all black people. The carrying of broadcasts for parties like the BNP is discretionary and not a formal legal requirement placed upon the broadcasters.
The purpose of this letter is to seek an immediate assurance from you that if you do decide to grant the BNP a free election broadcast that you will not require BECTU members to work on this broadcast if they, as a matter of conscience, do not wish to do so. We will support any of our members who refuse to work on such broadcasts as a matter of conscience to the maximum extent within the limits of the law.
Yours
Gerry Morrissey
BECTU Assistant General Secretary
Amended May 3 2005