Nicholas John "Nick" Griffin (born 1 March 1959) is a British far-right politician best known for leading the British National Party (BNP) and for a period serving as a Member of the European Parliament for North West England. He was born in Barnet, in Hertfordshire.
Early life and background
Griffin grew up and received part of his education in Suffolk. As a teenager he became involved with the National Front, joining that organisation at about 14. After studying at Cambridge University he worked within the party structure and, by 1980, had a role on its governing body. During the following years he contributed articles to several right-wing magazines.
Political career
He moved to the BNP in 1995 and rose to its leadership in 1999. During his time directing the party he pursued changes intended to broaden its appeal and reduce emphasis on some of its most extreme positions. In the 2009 European Parliament elections Griffin won a seat representing North West England.
Public controversies and later developments
Griffin attracted widespread attention in October 2009 when he appeared on the BBC television programme Question Time, an appearance that generated considerable controversy.
In March 2017 he said he wanted to move to Hungary, adding:
“And I hope that Hungary, the Hungarian government, the Hungarian people, will welcome people who are genuine refugees from western Europe but keep out the liberals who have brought western Europe to this state in the first place.”
The Hungarian government subsequently banned him from entry and residence in May 2017, declaring him persona non grata.