Union chief criticises BBC's BNP coverage

Nick Griffin's BBC interviews have angered critics

A senior trade union leader has complained about the BBC's coverage of the British National Party.

The Transport Union leader Bill Morris has added his voice to those critics who have attacked the BBC for providing a platform for racist views.

Bill Morris says the BBC is giving a platform for racist views

Mr Morris told the Trades Union Congress annual Conference in Brighton that the Corporation has given the right wing organisation too much publicity.

Nick Griffin, the leader of the BNP, has recently been interviewed on Radio 4's Today programme and BBC Two's Newsnight.

The BNP has been criticised after riots in Bradford, Oldham and Burnley during the summer.

No respect

Mr Morris, who is President of the TUC, said the BBC's coverage stemmed from a 'lack of respect' for ethnic minorities in Britain.

"It is the absence of that respect that continues to give a platform to the racist BNP by the BBC.

"When a BNP change of policy can become the third item on the national news then you better start to have a look because there is something wrong with your priorities," he said.

The BBC said the high support for the BNP in the General Election meant it was completely justified in challenging Mr Griffin to defend his party's policies and the Corporation would not be doing its job if it routinely ignored the BNP.