Protesters storm BNP news conference

I just witnessed the two new BNP MEPs being swept off the Green in front of parliament by demonstrators from Unite and others.

Nick Griffin had got only a short way into criticising coverage of his party in the newspapers when a crowd of about 150 demonstrators descended on Griffin, fellow MEP Andrew Brons, and their minders.

The two groups then seemed to merge as the minders tried to steer their MEPs to safety, they swarmed off the Green, down towards College Green, opposite St Stephen’s entrance to the Commons and then minders got the BNP group into two waiting cars.

Demonstrators tried a couple of thwacks on the car roof with banners, the cars forced their way into traffic and sped off. It raises all sorts of questions about freedom of speech and where the line is drawn.

A couple of minutes later and a school bus party was packing the pavement, scores of tourists too.

One demonstrator was taken away in an ambulance.

There could easily have been a lot more injured.