British National Party leader Nick Griffin was ambushed by human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell during a press conference at London's Millbank Studios, yesterday.
Tatchell sneaked between photographers and strode up to Griffin as he was displaying his Buckingham Palace Garden Party invitation, which was subsequently withdrawn by the Queen.
"As soon as he saw me he had a look of horror on his face," said Tatchell.
"I asked Griffin: 'Isn't it about time you apologised to the British people for your party's long history of anti-Semitism, homophobia and attacks on the Muslim community?'"
"Griffin looked sheepish. He seemed stumped for an answer. I asked him again. Then he just ran off. What a coward.
"Griffin's minders shoved me down the stairs. It's proof that the BNP doesn't believe in free speech or in the public asking their leader awkward questions. It shows the kind of autocratic society the BNP would impose if they ever won power.
"For many years, the BNP has preached a totalitarian ideology of anti-Jewish, anti-black, anti-gay and anti-Muslim hatred. The party has a long and strident hatred of non-white immigrants and asylum seekers. It's racist views are an affront to democratic values.
"Behind Nick Griffin's silky words and smiles lurk his party's neo-fascist roots. The BNP is a threat to human rights and social solidarity," said Tatchell.