Protest as BNP election broadcast aired

The airing of an election broadcast by the British National Party (BNP) has been met with protests outside the BBC's headquarters.

Around 40 demonstrators turned up outside Broadcasting House in London to register their opposition to Nick Griffin's televised message to voters.

The five-minute party election broadcast (PEB) was shown on the broadcaster's flagship channel shortly before 7pm on Monday while protesters chanted anti-BNP slogans.

The demonstration was supported by the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (Bectu) as well as the Muslim Council of Britain and Jewish Council for Racial Equality.

Earlier, a BBC spokesman said the corporation was "obliged to treat political parties contesting the election with due impartiality", as set out in its charter.

He added: "Over the course of the election, we will ensure appropriate scrutiny as we would with any party."