Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has demanded answers from the BBC over why no one has been sacked for broadcasting a Gaza documentary featuring the son of a Hamas official. Her intervention comes as an independent review into the controversial programme is set to be published next week.
The documentary Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone first aired in February before being hastily pulled by the broadcaster. The programme was withdrawn after it emerged that its 13-year-old narrator was the son of a Hamas official.
Review findings due next week
Peter Johnston, Director of Editorial Complaints and Reviews, is leading the independent investigation which reports directly to the Director-General. The review will determine whether editorial guidelines were breached and if disciplinary action is required.
The BBC will also conduct a full audit of expenditure on the programme. Speaking to The Times, Nandy described feeling "exasperated" and called for an "adequate explanation from the BBC about what has happened".
Minister demands accountability
"I have not had that from the chair or Director-General yet," she said. "I have been very clear that people must be held accountable for the decisions that were taken. I have asked the question to the board. Why has nobody been fired?"
Nandy added: "What I want is an explanation as to why not. If it is a sackable offence then obviously that should happen. But if the BBC, which is independent, considers that it is not, I think what all parliamentarians want to know is why."
Second documentary pulled
The controversy led the corporation to delay and then completely pull another documentary from the region, Gaza: Doctors under Attack. The programme has since been broadcast on Channel 4.
Nandy also criticised the BBC over the livestreamed Glastonbury performance from punk rap duo Bob Vylan. The group have been dropped by several music events since singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, led crowds in chants of "death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)" during their Saturday afternoon set.
Police investigate Glastonbury chants
The chants are now being investigated by police. "The BBC leadership have got to get a grip on it," Nandy said. "It makes me angry on behalf of the BBC staff and the whole creative industries in this country."
She added: "Particularly the Jewish community, who deserved far better than what happened at the weekend. Action has to be forthcoming." Bob Vylan, known for addressing political issues including racism, masculinity and class, issued a statement on Tuesday claiming they were being "targeted for speaking up".
The group have been vocal advocates for Palestinian rights and also led crowds in chants of "Free Palestine" during their set. The BBC has been approached for comment.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
