I dislike the politics of the BNP. I do not approve of their revisionism, of their racism and the violence that surrounds them. I would not, could not, support such a party.

Yet nor can I bring myself to support those who call for them to be banned.

They support censorship. They support the crushing of political debate. They would outlaw people for what they believe.

So while they condem the fascists they act as fascists would. And in doing so they fuel the fires by creating a perception that, in some way, the BNP are underdog victims.

It is a conundrum. Do we ban the fascists, or do we allow ourselves to become a little more like them?

I have no answers. I can only hope that ideas win.