A systematic campaign by neo-fascist climate-denying BNP supporters seems to have achieved just what it wanted; the BNP campaigned against these ads and won.
Further to Left Foot Forward’s story here about the decision of the Advertising Standards Authority to ban two climate change ads, it is important for us all to be clear just why the ASA caved in to pressure and made this bizarre decision to ban the excellent “nursery rhyme” adverts on man-made climate change
So, look at this link, not widely picked up last week; here are some of the things said at this notable location:
“This development comes just six weeks after the BNP’s “Operation Fightback” urged supporters to lodge complaints with the ASA over misleading Government claims made in its ‘man-made’ global warming ‘Action on CO2’ television adverts.
“These used the words ‘scientists agree’ in connection with disputed and in some cases, retracted, IPCC findings.
“Specifically Operation Fightback pointed out that the use of the words “scientists agree” implied that all scientists agreed with the now largely debunked IPCC claims made for “man-made” global warming, something which is manifestly untrue.”
There we have it: a systematic campaign by neo-fascist climate-denying BNP supporters seems to have achieved just what it wanted. To sum up, the BNP campaigned against these ads and the ASA did what the BNP were calling for.
It is worth noting also this SERA piece:
“While the ASA decision was dreadful, it is important to be clear nevertheless that the ASA did NOT uphold most of the complaints against this ad campaign.”
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22 Responses to “BNP glee at ASA ban on climate ads”
Rupert Read
The first thing I did when I found out about this decision was write to the ASA in protest complaining and demanding clarification. Sadly, I have heard nothing back as yet.
I think that it would be great if lots of people appealed. Thanks for posting the link here, Billy.
[p.s. I’m actually a Green, and not at all a New Labour person!]
Rory
As Rupert Read says, ‘End of.’ People in search of original thought or serious debate should steer clear of this website.
Rupert Read
Presumably, Rory, you place yourself in that category. In which case, Goodbye! We won’t expect to see you back, and will be disappointed / confused if you do comment further. We can do without such comments.
[_My_ comment, as is fairly obvious if you read it in context, was intended to address Billy’s implication that there was no case for worrying about or being doubtful about the ASA. In other words, what I was saying with my remark ‘End of’ was simply: There is such a case.]
RupertRead
Check out my latest article on @Leftfootfwd : The reasons for the BNP glee at the ASA's ban on those climatechange ads: http://bit.ly/bq5YSA
67251
Mr Read, you come across as very pompous and arrogant and will only turn people away with your manner. If you feel that the ASA genuinely have bent to pressure from the BNP then firstly take it up with them. I would be more than astounded if they have caved in to fascists. I suspect they simply viewed the ads and came to a reasoned judgement that you feel is incorrect.