Britons are “appalled” by the BBC not calling Hamas militants “terrorists” in the wake of the shocking attacks on Israel, a campaign group has said.
The BBC’s channels and website have been dominated by the conflict in Israel and Gaza since the attack by Hamas was launched on Saturday (October 7).
But despite Hamas being a proscribed organisation in Britain, meaning the Government sees it as a terrorist organisation, BBC editorial guidelines describe such language as potentially a “barrier rather than an aid to understanding”.
Rebecca Ryan, campaign director at Defund the BBC, said: “The British people are appalled by the BBC. Poll after poll shows that around two-thirds of Britons want the licence fee scrapped.
“Why should we be forced to pay for an institution that so badly represents our views and continues to push a divisive and dangerous agenda?”
READ MORE… Keir Starmer glitter protester unmasked as eco-loon that loves exotic holidays
The comments come after former BBC journalist Jon Sopel hit out at the corporation over its refusal to label Hamas as terrorists in the wake of the attacks.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps labelled the failure a disgrace, urged the BBC to fix its “moral compass” and revise its editorial guidelines.
Other senior ministers, including Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, have been among those expressing outrage at the BBC’s position.
Ms Ryan told Express.co.uk: “While the British people watch in horror as innocent women and children are massacred in their homes in Israel, our national broadcaster refuses to call the perpetrators what they are – terrorists.
“It’s clear for everyone else to see. The images have been unbearable. We can only imagine the pain and anguish that the loved ones of the victims must be feeling. Meanwhile the BBC finds it more important to push a political point.”
Don’t miss…
Meghan and Harry draw no crowd at NYC event as locals ‘don’t care’[REVEALED]
Vow to ‘wipe out’ Hamas after ’40 children slaughtered’ in horrific attack[REPORT]
Protester yells at press after storming stage and is bundled into police van[LATEST]
Ms Ryan accused the BBC of long being “in bed with the far left’s sympathies for extremists”, adding: “The shutting down of debate on this topic is our ‘national broadcaster’s’ forte.
“[T]his silencing and down-playing has only contributed to where we are today: marches across our major cities in sympathy with the terrorists who are currently beheading babies and shooting children in their beds.
“Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK – there is no question of concern for ‘due impartiality’ – and yet the BBC claim they would be taking sides by calling Hamas what they are: terrorists.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “We always take our use of language very seriously. Anyone watching or listening to our coverage will hear the word ‘terrorist’ used many times – we attribute it to those who are using it, for example, the UK Government.
“This is an approach that has been used for decades, and is in line with that of other broadcasters.
“The BBC is an editorially independent broadcaster whose job is to explain precisely what is happening ‘on the ground’ so our audiences can make their own judgment.”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Senior BBC foreign and world affairs correspondent John Simpson hit out at politicians urging the broadcaster to reform its language.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: “British politicians know perfectly well why the BBC avoids the word ‘terrorist’, and over the years plenty of them have privately agreed with it.
“Calling someone a terrorist means you’re taking sides and ceasing to treat the situation with due impartiality. The BBC’s job is to place the facts before its audience and let them decide what they think, honestly and without ranting.”
Mr Sopel took to X amid reports 40 children had been slaughtered by Hamas in Israel. He wrote: “Dear friends and former colleagues @BBCNews, If this doesn’t describe an act of pure terror by terrorists what does? The guidelines that I followed for years are no longer fit for purpose”.
Source: Read Full Article