Free speech in Britain

It seems that free speech is illegal in Britain:

Nick Griffin, the leader of the British National party, was today arrested on suspicion of incitement to commit racial hatred following a television investigation about the extent of racism in the organisation.

A BBC documentary, Secret Agent, screened in July, featured covertly-filmed footage showing BNP activists confessing to race-hate crimes and party leader Mr Griffin condemning Islam as a "vicious, wicked faith".

A BNP spokesman said four non-uniformed police officers arrested Mr Griffin at his farmhouse in mid-Wales and he was currently being taken to a station in West Yorkshire.

"He is believed to have been arrested on suspicion of incitement to commit racial hatred," the spokesman said.

West Yorkshire police confirmed they had arrested a 45-year-old man from outside their area.

Speaking on July 15, when the BBC documentary was screened, Mr Griffin accused the programme-makers of selectively editing the speech he is seen delivering, and challenged the authorities to prosecute him.

He said: "If Mr Blunkett wants to put me on a show trial about whether we're entitled to warn about the dangers of Islam, I will be absolutely delighted."

A BNP spokesman today said that Mr Griffin's arrest was "an attack on freedom of speech".

"The BNP doesn't hate anyone, we don't hate anyone's race or religion," he said.

"If we want to debate whether or not religious diversity is a good thing for this country, we should be allowed to do so without the police banging on the door."