The BBC is backing a decision to let Israel take part in next year’s Eurovision song contest after a string of countries and their broadcasters pledged to boycott the event.
Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia say they will not take part in the 2026 competition because the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) cleared the way for the country to compete.
A row had blown up over whether Israel should be allowed to join the contest amid its conduct in the war in Gaza.
The EBU backed away from calling a vote on Israeli participation, and instead passed rules aimed at discouraging governments from influencing the contest.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We support the collective decision made by members of the EBU. This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive.”
The Conservatives said it was “absolutely right” for Israel to be part of Eurovision.
Shadow culture secretary Nigel Huddleston said: “It is deeply concerning to see so many countries choosing to boycott the event because of Israel’s inclusion. Music should be a uniting force, not a tool to be weaponised for political ends.
“We trust the government will clearly rule out joining or legitimising this boycott in any capacity.”
Government minister Alison McGovern said it will be “really sad” if Eurovision is not a “joyful occasion”.
She told Times Radio: “Eurovision is run by an independent organisation, the European Broadcasting Union, so this is really one for them, sure. It is not an issue that the government would normally interfere in.
“I’m personally not a massive Eurovision fan, but when Eurovision came to Liverpool, it was wonderful for everybody.
“So I think it’s really sad if we’re in this position where Eurovision can’t just be this joyful occasion, but it’s for the European Broadcasting Union to take decisions over in the first instance.”
By contrast, Irish national broadcaster RTE says it will not broadcast the song contest, describing Israel’s participation as “unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza”.
The RTE statement said: “Following today’s EBU winter general assembly in Geneva at which Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was confirmed, RTE’s position remains unchanged.
