Dispatches from the North: The BNP on Question Time

When I lived in the States I had a hard time even choosing between two major political parties. I even found people would insist on telling me how they classified my political affiliations because the idea that I have none was downright sacrilegious to them. In truth, I am the elusive “swing voter” and I have never pledged my allegiance to either the blues or reds (although I managed to land on both of their e-mailing lists). If I couldn’t choose between TWO major political parties, what can I do with three major parties and several other smaller ones?

I have a lot of catching up to do and the task of getting to know British politics is really challenging, and my lack of enthusiasm for politics in general doesn’t make it any easier. I first tried watching a session of Parliament. Although the well-crafted jabs at each other and rousing cheers and boos are entertaining, after watching bits and pieces here and there I never quite figured out what the parties actually stand for. British politicians in particular have an art for talking a lot without actually saying anything. I could guess based on the name of the party but other than that I am still pretty clueless.

I suppose the only real “political party” I can definitely rule out is the British National Party. But it was actually the BNP that finally introduced me to BBC’s Question Time, a window into party politics in Britain. I found that I learned a lot more about the parties by watching them answer difficult questions about hot issues, but also by hearing the questions and accusations from the audience. I jumped on the bandwagon after hearing all the hoopla over the controversial Question Time featuring Nick Griffin. I usually avoid politics but I watched the entire thing on YouTube. I learned more about British politics from watching this one show than from all of the newscasts and sessions of Parliament I have watched combined. I tuned in again last week to see them discuss the expenses scandal and bank bailouts. Watching this show has really helped me to see where I fit on the British political spectrum.

Sometimes you have to see “mainstream” political parties pitted against extremists to get an idea of what people really stand for. I think this show is worth a watch in its entirety. If you would like to check it out I have posted the link below and I have also embedded Part 1. Once you have watched Part 1, Parts 2-6 should be available over on the right hand side if you click the link above the video.

BNP Nick Griffin on BBC Question Time Part 1

Author Info - Lisa Coulson is an American Expat living in the North of England in Hartlepool. She writes a weekly column on Wednesdays about life in the UK. Lisa also has her own blog - Anglophile's Digest Read more from this author