The most pernicious secret about Reform

This is so full of half truths its incredible

That was a bit longer than I had planned.

TLDR - the bbc were using the term in a purely descriptive sense initially. They then recognised that this was inappropriate because some people interpreted the description as a value judgement. So they apologised.

There is actually plenty of evidence to justify the use of the term "far right". The problem that the BBC encountered is that there is no precise, legally recognised definition of "far right", and the use of such a phrase therefore involves a degree of editorial judgement.

That in itself is nothing new. There is always a degree of editorial judgement, even in describing parties as "left" or "right", which also don't have precise legal definitions. Usually, such judgements are fairly uncontroversial, because the parties in question don't generally object to the characterisation - most Labour politicians would be happy to be described as left wing, and most Tories would be happy to be described as right wing. In this particular case, Reform did object because the term "far right" is perceived to be a pejorative one and not merely a descriptive one which describes where they fall on the political spectrum. This is obviously because of negative associations with far right parties through history.

BBC's editorial guidelines require them to present the news in an impartial manner. This means that they have to avoid the use of terms like "far right", which might be perceived as expressing judgement. Their apology does not mean that the description was wrong, but merely that it was inappropriate for a broadcaster which is supposed to avoid value judgements.

If you set aside the value judgements, it's quite hard to argue that Reform are not "far right". They are certainly quite a lot further to the right than the traditional "centre right". Perhaps you would prefer the term "hard right" if you don't like the historical associations?

Ah let him sue me then and we can have it out in court.😆😆😆

I’m confused. The upskirting law was passed in 2019 but the first Reform MP wasn’t elected until 2024 so they couldn’t have voted against that law.

Which laws have they voted against and why?

Taking photos with Trump or anyone else doesn’t make a party ‘far right’ though. Otherwise you’d be including Starmer in that accusation as well.

Do you understand that it “fell short of editorial guidelines” because <we have no evidence to back our claim>

So as you repeatedly make that subjective and controversial claim that the BBC lawyers were worried enough about a libel suit that they advised the beeb to make an embarrassing apology (although they must be so used to that by now), you need to provide some evidence or I just have to assume you have none.

You can just say that this is your entirely subjective opinion but you have no actual evidence to back it up? I won’t hold it against you.

Do try reading my original question before you keep attacking me. It wasn’t me accusing the local protestors of being racist. 🤷‍♀️

Is it racist for local people to be upset about 3 of their young girls being brutally murdered by a young man that was not stopped because of his race and the authorities then lied to the public about his race and tried to conceal his motivations?

You seem to be straying into libel territory as well.

The BBCs lawyers obviously realised that it was a problem to call them ‘far right’ and they clearly had nothing to back it, otherwise they would have refused to apologise and invited a libel suit if he didn’t like it.

Can you provide evidence of your accusations please.

Both can be true
Doesn't excuse Farage

So "done here" @moderate means that you're going to stop posting because yor've realised that your argument doesn't stand up to scrutiny, but you're still going to hang around posting passive aggressive emoji?

Yes, you do come across as being a bit of a bully. Luckily enough, I have enough life experience to understand that it comes from a place of insecurity.

As for what happens if and when Reform is elected, you won't need to pity me, as I already have a Plan B lined up. I have no intention of staying and watching the shitshow unfold, but I will feel very sorry for those who are left behind. Not the racists, but definitely the ones stupid enough to be taken in by racists. It will be awful for them when it gradually dawns on them what they've done.

Then I am not making your point for you.🤷‍♀️

No.

Anyone can simply read up the quote history to understand my point.

The irony!

I’m done here. Arguing with you is starting to feel a bit like bullying a child.

More than anything, I pity you. Reform will come to power and you won’t have a clue why. You’ll think it’s because everyone is either racist or stupid enough to be taken in by racists.

Fare well.

Ah, perhaps that's it.

If that's the case, @moderate, then I stand corrected.

Are you making the point that Farage is a misogynist who doesn't give a shit about the victims of VAWG unless it forwards his racist agenda?

Old enough to recognise when someone is lashing out because they don't know what else to say.

How old are you? I used to see the world in black and white as you do, but then I grew up.

You don't have a point. You just have prejudice and assumptions.

In your entirely predictable view.

Obviously this is going to be how it looks to someone who fails to comprehend my point.

Well, if she is trying to make your point for you, it seems that she is failing miserably.😂

Writing "Are you trying to make my point for me" makes absolutely no sense in the context of what the pp had actually said though. It only makes any sense if you had failed to comprehend her post. Which you obviously did.

No, you just misunderstood mine.

Entirely predictably.

Are you still trying to make my point for me?