What does this statement, by Weyman Bennett, of Unite Against Fascism, remind you of?

George Orwell's Animal Farm?

"All animals are equal. But some are more equal than others."
Mr Bennett organised the protest that disrupted BNP leader Nick Griffin's press conference outside the Lords last week.

Free speech was rather overshadowed by the shouting of abuse, kicking of vehicles and hurling of eggs.

It doesn't wash, intellectually or morally, that one can support free speech - but only for those whose views one wants to hear.

But it's not only the anti-fascist campaigners who have a questionable view of 'freedom of speech'.

Andrew Brons, who was elected as an MEP along with Nick Griffin, has form for this.

In 1983 he was leading a group of National Front supporters in Leeds city centre, chanting, "white power" and "death to Jews", when a police officer of Malaysian origin asked them to disperse.

"I am aware of my legal rights," Brons retorted. "Inferior beings like you probably do not appreciate the principle of free speech."

Brons' appreciation of his rights was not shared by the magistrates who fined him for abuse and breaching the peace.

Perhaps it's easy to forget, when the hot rush of righteousness and racial loathing is coursing through your veins, that the right to freedom of speech in this country does not extend to wishing death upon an entire racial group.

It is of course distressing to think that a man capable of this sort of thing, even in 1983, will now be representing our country in the European Parliament.

But attacking the BNP's right to free speech can only make them stronger.

No sooner had the yolk congealed on Mr Griffin's shoulder than he was telling anyone who would listen that the egg attack was the work of a sinister conspiracy backed by the mainstream parties.

He also claimed the home office had given the police instructions not to protect him from the protesters.

Thus does he cast himself as a martyr to the truth, heroically soldiering forth into a blizzard of lies and persecution, bravely pursuing his mission to put into practice that which many British people secretly wish for: an all-white Britain.

Like it or not, the BNP are a fact of political life now. If the arguments against them are strong - and they are - they need to be made, and made soberly.

You don't win arguments by throwing eggs, but through debate.
Not only would this be more destructive of the BNP's reputation, it would also be more satisfying to watch than puerile tactics such as egg throwing.

Imagine Nick Griffin in the Newsnight studio, explaining in detail to Jeremy Paxman how his anti-immigration, anti-Europe policies are in Britain's economic interests.

Someone should Invite him to repeat his claims about a cross-party conspiracy on a discussion panel comprising, say, Vince Cable, Michael Gove and Diane Abbott.

And let's see how Andrew Brons defends his past as a Jew-hating rabble rouser when placed in televised confrontation with a Holocaust historian or, even better, a Holocaust survivor.

If it's free speech the BNP want, let them have it. With both barrels.