The BBC’s argument that the BNP had as much right to appear on Question Time as any other political party was flawed, as they invited Nick Griffin to join the panel in the full knowledge that he and his party’s beliefs contravene its own policy of promoting “equal opportunities for all, irrespective of colour, race, religion or belief”.

As for the BBC’s Mark Thomson’s assertion that Griffin’s appearance was based on the ideal of free speech, there wasn’t much of that on show last night. As Mark Lawson observed: “normal service was abandoned…it was a five against one kicking”.

Some say that the BBC handed the BNP a PR coup and judging by the level of media coverage surrounding last night’s programme, you can see why. Towards the end of the show Dimbleby stated that he didn’t want it to “turn into the Nick Griffin show”. Unfortunately by that time the horse had already bolted.

On top of the legitimacy that an appearance on Question Time lent the BNP, the sheer amount of column inches Griffin and his party have gained as a result of the appearance would please any political campaign. This success in print has since converted into online support in the form of BNP supporters flooding the BBC Have Your Say pages with comments about Griffin’s performance.