WELSH anti-fascists celebrated yesterday after forcing the BBC to drop plans for a radio debate with fascist guests. 

Activists gathered outside the BBC Wales headquarters in Cardiff to celebrate their success in keeping the nazis off the airwaves. 

Britain First and BNP candidates had been invited to take part in a European election debate scheduled to take place yesterday afternoon. 

But the debate was pulled after Green and No2EU — Yes to Workers’ Rights candidates Pippa Bartolotti and Rob Griffiths refused to take part. 

The BBC have instead agreed to interview all candidates and to cover their comments in other programmes as and when appropriate.

Ms Bartolotti welcomed “a very wise compromise by the BBC,” pointing out that it had been put in a difficult position by the electoral commission, which had approved a party name including the words Remember Lee Rigby.

Ms Bartolotti called this “abhorrent,” adding: “Lee Rigby’s family was appalled. I am appalled.”

The Star revealed on Monday that 100 people had complained to the BBC about the contents of Britain First’s party election broadcast, aired in Wales on Friday.

Mr Griffiths explained that debating issues with the BNP and Britain First would have effectively normalised fascism.

“In some European countries, fascist parties are treated as legitimate when in reality they are criminal conspiracies to incite racial hatred,” he said. 

“Many of their leaders have long records of criminal convictions and should not be given any platform to promote their odious views.”