As with matters of freedom generally, as much free speech should be allowed as is possible. We should allow, for example, the racist argument to be made and not shot down before it is heard simply because it is disagreeable. The consequence of not allowing it to be heard is that those with a racist agenda soon enough learn how to get on a platform using amended language that obscures what it is they actually stand for. They still retain their deeply entrenched views while appearing otherwise. What they actually do believe then tends to be driven underground where it is more damaging than if it was forced to come forward and make its case.

I think that there are many people, while not being in any way connected to a racist organisation, have strong racist impulses and hold racist views. They would never articulate them for fear of censure. These kinds of dodgy views are not just the constituency of the B.N.P. In my town every other man on the street is likely to have racist views, probably without even knowing it. It’s not just the men.

We should be prepared to smoke out the racists wherever they are. We should do this, less by condemnation, more by open argument. Let the argument be seen to be an inferior position if that is what it is and not just assumed to be because it differs from the complicit view.

Perhaps there are many who think the racists actually do have a point or at least a partial point. Perhaps surreptitiously there are many largely in sympathy with the racist position. Having them routinely silenced is not good for the overall cause of creating a society where racism is a non-issue which is ultimately where we want to be. Let the racists be heard.