BNP at University of Bath

TheOne · 10-05-2007, 18:24

The following matter is being brought to the attention of university unions nationwide........

As I'm sure you're all aware the NUS (National Union of Students) has a policy of not allowing fascist organisations a platform to speak. Unfortunately the University at Bath has allowed the leader of the fascist BNP to give a lecture to students. The BNP call for an all white Britain and where the BNP are given a platform, racist attacks increase.

The Students' Union at Bath, along with the local branch of the University and College Union, have asked people to write to their MP getting them to support the Early Day Motion '1429 - BNP and the University of Bath' http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDe...12&SESSION=885

The motion points out that the decision by Bath may well breach the Race Relations Act. You can write to your MP using this website. http://www.writetothem.com

Please pass this message on

Thanks

10-05-2007, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheOne

The following matter is being brought to the attention of university unions nationwide........

As I'm sure you're all aware the NUS (National Union of Students) has a policy of not allowing fascist organisations a platform to speak. Unfortunately the University at Bath has allowed the leader of the fascist BNP to give a lecture to students. The BNP call for an all white Britain and where the BNP are given a platform, racist attacks increase.

The Students' Union at Bath, along with the local branch of the University and College Union, have asked people to write to their MP getting them to support the Early Day Motion '1429 - BNP and the University of Bath' http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDe...12&SESSION=885

The motion points out that the decision by Bath may well breach the Race Relations Act. You can write to your MP using this website. http://www.writetothem.com

Please pass this message on

Thanks

Ok first point i dont agree with the BNP in any shape or form.

However they are a legitimate party and they are not banned by the law. so if you are going to ban that party from speaking should you not be banning them all ?

sollp · 10-05-2007, 18:57

So what, whether you agree with any party and there polices or not, they have every right to speak whatever they want,(within reason of course).

We have plenty of radical speakers and people with radical views within University's for years now, have you been on this and other forums expressing the same concerns?

No thought not.

**Stuart C** · 10-05-2007, 19:09

I agree. While I don't agree with the BNP as such (just look at my posts on here for proof of that), it *is* one of the foundations (probably the most important) of democracy that people have free speech.

papa smurf · 10-05-2007, 19:21

isnt it a fascist act to deny the fascists the right of speach, eh

BBKing · 10-05-2007, 19:58

Quote:

However they are a legitimate party and they are not banned by the law.

Quite. However, a number of activities performed by members of the BNP (organised violence and active racism) *are* banned by the law, and the fact that they are part of a political party doesn't legitimise them. Also, any organisation like a university can presumably have a right to allow or not allow people to speak on their private premises - free speech doesn't mean freedom to speak anywhere, otherwise I'd like to make a short speech in the House of Commons next week. Tuesday will do me fine.

I'm in favour of the BNP having as much freedom of speech as they like - they invariably make arses of themselves, particularly when anyone opposes them. They are a racist, fascist party and the more they talk the more this is obvious.

Quote:

isnt it a fascist act to deny the fascists the right of speach, eh

Only if done by a fascist state.

TheOne · 10-05-2007, 21:47

Good news people (depending on how you look at it), permission has not been granted for the event to take place

The University of Bath has released the following press release:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/news/2007/5/10/griffin.html

TheNorm · 10-05-2007, 22:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBKing

...I'd like to make a short speech in the House of Commons next week. Tuesday will do me fine...

I musn't miss that! Will you include a few words in praise of the democratic process that enables a change in leader without consulting Joe Public?

Quote:

...I'm in favour of the BNP having as much freedom of speech as they like - they invariably make arses of themselves, particularly when anyone opposes them. They are a racist, fascist party and the more they talk the more this is obvious.....

Absolutely. A good debate can do far more damage than a ban.

Long live democracy - even the peculiar form practiced in Westminster.

11-05-2007, 06:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNorm

I musn't miss that! Will you include a few words in praise of the democratic process that enables a change in leader without consulting Joe Public?

Just what i was thinking today when the poodle decided he did not need his lead tugging any more

papa smurf · 11-05-2007, 07:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheOne

Good news people (depending on how you look at it), permission has not been granted for the event to take place

The University of Bath has released the following press release:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/news/2007/5/10/griffin.html

so just remind me who are the fascists again

those who wish to speak ,or those who deny the freedom of speach .

BBKing · 11-05-2007, 08:09

Quote:

so just remind me who are the fascists again

The BNP are. Glad to clear that one up for you.

Damien · 11-05-2007, 08:10

I wonder if those who are promoting free speech would feel the same if it was a fundmentalist islamic preacher? Free speech does not include the ability to bully and spread hate.

I would allow the BNP to speak personally, so they would get their views destoryed.

Vlad_Dracul · 11-05-2007, 09:25

I give my full support and congratulations to the University of Bath for supporting the fast diminishing right of free speech in this country.

foreverwar · 11-05-2007, 10:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by dooper786

I give my full support and congratulations to the University of Bath for supporting the fast diminishing right of free speech in this country.

Freedom of speech does not include the right to shout "FIRE!!" in a crowded theatre - with rights come responsibilities.

btw, I would have let them speak, as they invariably make *rses of themselves when questioned.

Xaccers · 11-05-2007, 10:06

Besides, it'd help the uni spot racists by those who attend in support of the BNP.