BBC CENSORSHIP AT THE PROMS

Early day motion 469, tabled 3 September 2013 by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 14 members.

That this House condemns the BBC for censoring comments made by violinist Nigel Kennedy when he spoke during a BBC Proms concert from the Royal Albert Hall while performing with a group of young Palestinian musicians; believes that the BBC’s worldwide reputation for impartiality and fairness has been undermined as a result of such censorship when it broadcast the concert on BBC 4 on 23 August 2013; applauds Mr Kennedy for drawing attention to the apartheid being operated by the government of Israel; and urges the Government to seek an explanation from the BBC as to whether its decision to delete the comments made by Mr Kennedy in the course of the concert was because of a complaint from former BBC Governor Baroness Deech.

Signatures by party: Labour 8, Liberal Democrat 4, Independent 1, Respect 1.