Free speech: a comic turn

When British comedian Jeremy Hardy suggested that British National Party (BNP) members and voters be shot, he was only being ironic - right?

Hardy made the comment on his BBC Radio 4 programme 'Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation'. The comment was sufficiently embarrassing for Radio 4 to issue an apology. But while Hardy may not be a violent man, he has been one of the most high-profile supporters of the Anti-Nazi League, who have campaigned on the slogan 'No platform for fascists' - including the BNP. After a protest against the Edinburgh University lecturer Chris Brand, he described free speech as 'liberal rot'.

So, he must be pretty annoyed that Burnley Council, now with six BNP councillors, has responded to his Radio 4 comments by cancelling a show Hardy was due to do at the council-owned Mechanics Theatre. Mick Cartledge, Burnley's director of community services, said in a press release: 'We recognise Mr Hardy's right to voice his sometimes controversial views and the role of satire in his act. However, as a result of his comments, we do not the feel the event will be a night of comedy, and that the performance has the potential to be disruptive. The Council has a duty of care to both its staff and customers and as a result the performance has been cancelled.'

Burnley's decision is censorship, pure and simple. If they really recognised his right to be controversial, they would not have banned the show. But will Hardy be complaining about this denial of his rights? That really would be ironic.

Comic's show is axed after protest from BNP, Burnley Today, 29 October 2004