Nick Griffin’s appearance on Question Time provoked controversy just by the fact it was happening. But it did, and most onlookers agree that Griffin didn’t do a great job of promoting himself, his party, and his views.
Interestingly, YouTube was mentioned continuously by the other panelists on the show, with references to video clips featuring Griffin. Clips he couldn’t simply talk his way out of. Online video is clearly even affecting politics now.
Nick Griffin & The BNP
is the leader of the British National Party, a far-right political organization in the U.K. which believes Britain should essentially return to how it was prior to 1948 – that is with a vast majority white, indigenous population.
Without getting into the politics of it, the party has had some success in recent years fueled by terrorism and the failings of the British government to properly police immigration into the country.
Nick Griffin On Question Time
Due to the successes – two MPs in the European Parliament, a seat on the London Assembly, and a number of councilors around the U.K. – the BBC invited Griffin to appear on Question Time, a weekly current affairs debate show featuring politicians, celebrities, and members of the public.
Griffin was continually asked to justify various comments, remarks, and views he and his party have held and communicated over the years. And while he tried to distance himself from and flatly deny others, his fellow panelists informed viewers the video evidence was there for all to see on YouTube.
Video Evidence
Two of the videos mentioned, usually by the British Justice Secretary Jack Straw, were: this one appearing to show Griffin denying the holocaust; and this one showing Griffin speaking on stage beside David Duke, a former leader of the Ku Klux Klan.
Victory For YouTube
This was an amazing achievement for YouTube because it was used as a fact checker – a place where facts are irrefutable and evidence is on show – on a mainstream TV show watched by millions of people. And it was used ahead of other sources such as newspaper quotes.
Overall, a bad day for the BNP but a good day for YouTube and online video.
