<p><br /> The airing of an election broadcast by the British National Party (BNP) has been met with protests outside the BBC's headquarters.<br /> </p><p><br /> Around 40 demonstrators turned up outside Broadcasting House in London to register their opposition to Nick Griffin's televised message to voters.<br /> </p><p><br /> The five-minute party election broadcast (PEB) was shown on the broadcaster's flagship channel shortly before 7pm on Monday while protesters chanted anti-BNP slogans.<br /> </p><p><br /> The demonstration was supported by the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (Bectu) as well as the Muslim Council of Britain and Jewish Council for Racial Equality.<br /> </p><p><br /> Earlier, a BBC spokesman said the corporation was "obliged to treat political parties contesting the election with due impartiality", as set out in its charter.<br /> </p><p><br /> He added: "Over the course of the election, we will ensure appropriate scrutiny as we would with any party."<br /> </p>
