Poll
BBC bans European flags at Eurovision event - offers Union flags instead
The BBC handed out Union flags after taking EU flags off audience members. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/BBC/PA Wire . - Credit: PA
The BBC has defended a decision to ban the audience of its 'Eurovision: You Decide' programme from waving European flags.
The EU Flag Mafia outside the BBC studios in Manchester. Photograph: EU Flag Mafia. - Credit: Archant
Pro-EU campaigners from the group the EU Flag Mafia were present outside the Manchester studios handing out the flag of Europe ahead of the broadcast where viewers will decide the UK's song contest entrant.
But audience members were told they will not be able to take the flags inside or wave them during the filming of the programme.
It has led to accusations of bias from pro-EU campaigners. Others on social media were in disbelief that there would be a ban on the EU flags at an event that celebrates European music and culture.
MORE: Say Bollocks to Brexit by subscribing for £13 and get a FREE mug
MORE: John Kampfner says the BBC has lost its bottle
MORE: Michael Fabricant: Brexit should mean we leave Eurovision
Remain supporter Helen Bracken tweeted: 'Come on BBC Eurovision - let the flags in! Stop censoring freedom of expression. Let's show Eurovision audiences around Europe that we are proud Europeans! #ProudToBeEuropean'
You may also want to watch:
Madeleina Kay - who self-styles herself as EU supergirl - said: 'Brexit Broadcasting Corporation strikes again.'
The BBC said it was a safety decision but admitted that alternative flags were being offered inside the venue.
Most Read
- 1 Tory MP blames 'chaotic parents' for children going to school hungry
- 2 Boris Johnson 'hid in bedroom' to avoid grilling on Brexit stance days before becoming PM
- 3 Tory MP says policies no longer match 'principles on which millions have backed us'
- 4 George Osborne says it is 'game over' for Boris Johnson over free school meals
- 5 Danny Dyer praised for criticisms of Tory party - pointing out Etonians can't run the country
- 6 UKIP set to select 'Dr Gammons' as candidate for London mayoral election
- 7 Liz Truss' department slammed for false claim about cost of soy sauce after Brexit
- 8 Andy Burnham could have been 'halfway through tenure as PM by now', claims commentator
- 9 Minister sparks concerns about pig semen after Brexit
- 10 Brexiteer in lockdown denial over 49% drop in constituency Covid-19 cases
The spokesperson said: 'As a safety precaution we check all personal belongings, including all flags, into studio security while ticket holders are in the studio audience, but do however supply the audience with UK flags once they are inside.'
In 2016 the European Broadcasting Union relaxed flag rules to allow national, regional and local flags of the participants during Eurovision broadcasts, and said 'this is in addition to the flags of all UN member states, the EU flag and the rainbow flag, as stipulated in the original guidelines.
'The EBU also proposed a more tolerant approach to other flags as long as the audience respects the non-political nature of the Eurovision Song Contest and do not deliberately attempt to obstruct the camera views.
'This proposal was approved by the Eurovision Song Contest's governing body, the reference group.'
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
