What's Eating Johnny Bull?

Much of the UK is on edge tonight for one of two (if not both) reasons. This morning, members of the Communications Workers Union began organised work stoppages throughout Royal Mail, picketing the services' proposed modernisation efforts. Those efforts include Royal Mail's proposed introduction of automated equipment that would sort mail in the order the postman/postwoman would deliver it, which would eliminate hundreds of jobs, and the prospect of privatising the service.

Today drivers and workers at mail processing centres picketed, and tomorrow the delivery and collection staff will picket. And with no desire for the union, Royal Mail magaement, and government ministers to come to an agreement, the CWU has announced that additional stoppages will be planned for next week. Trick or Treat.

Meanwhile, the politically minded are in heated debates over whether tonight will mark a "red letter day" for democracy or its darkest hour. Earlier today, under intense security and with throngs of protesters outside White City, the BBC's weekly Question Time took place with Nick Griffin, leader of the controversial far-right British National Party, on the panel along with Justice Secretary Jack Straw. In spite of multiple criticisms about the prospect of the appearance on this high profile Q&A programme legitimising the presence of the BNP in British Politics, the BBC's chiefs say that because they have been elected to local councils and now the European Parliament, they are entitled to appear on the show.

On the flip side, several who oppose the BNP's message of anti-EU, "British & Celtic Folk > anyone who produces just enough skin pigment" say that having Griffin appear on Question Time will put the spotlight on the extremist views of the party, who only three years ago removed anti-Semitic clauses in their constitution, and are just now relenting to calls on removing race restrictions on their membership.

The buzz over the past week, and much of the programme slated to air on BBC One in about 20 minutes, focused squarely on scrutinising the views of Griffin and the BNP. Earlier this week, retired generals launched a campaign saying that there was nothing British about the BNP, and demanding the BNP cease using images of Winston Churchill and the Spitfire fighter plane in their campaign material. News agencies profiled districts and council boroughs where the BNP had won seats. All the while, the party considers this bonus coverage and is comparing it to the rise of France's le Front National 25 years ago.

I will likely react to tonight's Question Time once it airs. And my new BS detector arrives in the post.