For Nick Griffin, it’s a case of “One is not amused.” The reason? The British National Party’s (BNP) leader, at the last minute, has been denied the chance to mingle with the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace during the Queen’s garden party on Thursday.
Griffin’s invite had upset anti-fascist campaigners, who have been protesting. Griffin was going to be there in his capacity as a Member of the European Parliament, and sent an email to supporters saying he would be representing “a million British patriots who vote for this party.” But Unite Against Fascism said they’re “opposed to Nick Griffin appearing anywhere in public,” urging Buckingham Palace to “take a long hard look” at their decision. And clearly that is what the Palace did, just releasing a statement saying that Griffin will be refused entry, adding that they have nothing against the democratic protest but he’s being denied entry on political grounds.
The statement confirmed that Griffin wouldn’t be welcome, “due to the fact he has overtly used his personal invitation for Party political purposes through the media. This in turn has increased the security threat and the potential discomfort to the many other guests also attending.”
A similar controversy erupted last year as Griffin was set to attend as a guest of a BNP London assembly member. He eventually pulled out and so yet again, Griffin won’t be able to fill his plate to the brim with cucumber sandwiches and Victoria sponge cake.