Challenge BNP, says union
JOURNALISTS must challenge the British National Party, NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear told a union meeting on reporting the BNP in Manchester in July.
“The important thing is that the union is not neutral on the BNP and not neutral on groups that disrupt the cohesion of local communities,” he said. “Journalists have a responsibility to challenge the BNP, especially on issues where they have sought influence, such as on national policy toward asylum seekers.”
Ian Wood, assistant editor of the Manchester Evening News, told the meeting that the paper takes no advertising from the BNP. He said: “They are not honest about their views and intent and do not believe in equality. We concluded that the BNP needs to be treated differently. ‘Never unchallenged and never unchecked’ is our policy.”
There was agreement that the BNP must be reported, but never uncritically. Peter Murray, NUJ vice president, said: “Not giving them coverage will not exclude them from elected office.”