Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Glastonbury Festival BBC Coverage 2025-06-30

30 June 2025 · 18 other contributors

Opened by The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy

Community SecurityCulture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport raised concerns about glastonbury festival bbc coverage 2025-06-30 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Government contacted the Home Secretary regarding Glastonbury Festival incidents
  • Avon and Somerset police are investigating possible criminal offences
  • Minister stated that antisemitic behaviour is unacceptable and must be addressed

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

Today I am making a statement about the events at Glastonbury over the weekend. Members will have seen the appalling scenes on Saturday where chants of ‘death to the IDF’ were broadcast nationally. The Government has been in touch with the Home Secretary, and Avon and Somerset police are conducting an investigation into possible criminal offences. I reiterated that antisemitism is unacceptable and must be rooted out. The BBC was called to account for their failure to prevent these broadcasts, which raised questions about editorial standards and due diligence. The Government supports freedom of expression but not incitement to violence or hate speech. We will intervene when the safety of communities is at risk. I am having further conversations with the BBC and festival organisers.

Other contributors (18)
  • Stuart Andrew Con Daventry

    Question

    I questioned whether the BBC’s explanation was satisfactory and if their current oversight mechanisms are adequate. I also asked about assessing possible breaches under section 22 of the Public Order Act, as well as calling for a full review of impartiality and governance standards during charter renewal.

    Minister reply

    I am not satisfied with the explanation provided by the BBC and expect immediate clarification. While an independent inquiry may be unnecessary to establish foresight about problems, I want rapid action to prevent this from happening again. The Government will continue to assess the situation and provide updates.

  • Gareth Snell Lab Co-op Stoke-on-Trent Central

    Question

    In addition to addressing the chants at Glastonbury, what conversations will take place with the BBC regarding what was allowed to happen? Can we agree that age-old antisemitic tropes should be a red line for everyone?

    Minister reply

    While questions about Glastonbury are not for the BBC, there are serious issues concerning broadcast decisions. Conversations will focus on ensuring standards and preventing such incidents in the future.

  • Johanna Baxter Lab Paisley and Renfrewshire South

    Question

    I share my right hon. Friend’s concern about the BBC's editorial standards, which must be upheld to protect freedom of expression while preventing hate speech. What conversations is she having with the BBC to ensure this incident does not happen again?

    Minister reply

    Following Saturday's incident, I spoke directly with the BBC's director general and have been in touch with senior leadership team members. We are pressing them for immediate answers on specific questions we raised regarding operational oversight and the adherence to editorial standards. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.

  • Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport

    Question

    What explanation has the BBC given for not cutting the live stream of Bob Vylan’s performance? Given that 400 people were at Glastonbury, can she explain who makes final decisions on broadcast content and why such a decision was made?

    Minister reply

    The hon. Lady's questions are pertinent and I have already engaged with BBC leadership to seek answers regarding operational oversight and the understanding of editorial standards by individual staff. Further inquiries will be made in the coming weeks, especially concerning incidents like the Gaza documentary.

  • Tom Rutland Lab East Worthing and Shoreham

    Question

    Does my right hon. Friend agree that expressing concern about suffering in Gaza without using language that fuels hatred or incites violence is crucial? Does she support this stance?

    Minister reply

    My hon. Friend makes an important point. It is entirely possible to stand up for Palestinians while rejecting antisemitism, which includes condemning hate speech and rhetoric that causes real-world harm to Jewish communities.

  • Jim Allister TUV North Antrim

    Question

    Given the pro-terrorist broadcast at Glastonbury and the BBC’s failure to cut it, is there a case for considering cutting the licence fee as a means of holding the broadcaster accountable?

    Minister reply

    While we recognise Hamas as a terrorist organisation, our support for the BBC remains firm. We believe in upholding high standards as part of the charter renewal process and will work towards ensuring that this institution is held accountable.

  • Peter Prinsley Lab Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket

    Question

    In light of recent incidents, how can Jewish individuals in the UK be reassured about BBC’s editorial processes? Who will be held responsible for this oversight?

    Minister reply

    The Government is determined to address these issues through dialogue with the BBC. We are committed to ensuring that proper accountability measures are put in place to safeguard against similar incidents and protect those who might feel at risk from such broadcasts.

  • John Glen Con Salisbury

    Question

    The Secretary of State’s statement agreed with. The MP raised concerns about accountability and the need for individuals at the BBC to be held responsible for failing to follow existing guidance.

    Minister reply

    I agree that people must be individually accountable for their actions, and I have made this point clear to the BBC. It is important to ensure that proper accountability exists within organisations like the BBC.

  • Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham

    Question

    Asked about responsibility of those organising the festival both legally and morally.

    Minister reply

    I agree with the hon. Lady that all have a responsibility to uphold high standards, and I am reaching out to festival organisers to investigate incidents and ensure they do not happen again.

  • Richard Tice Reform Boston and Skegness

    Question

    Asked about how long these issues can continue before the BBC is perceived as institutionally antisemitic.

    Minister reply

    I agree that this cannot go on indefinitely. The BBC must meet high standards, which we will ensure it upholds through necessary actions.

  • Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire

    Question

    Expressed concern about the festival's organisers failing to respond to serious concerns raised by MPs.

    Minister reply

    I share the right hon. Gentleman’s view that festivals must be safe and inclusive spaces, and I am investigating incidents at Glastonbury to ensure this happens.

  • Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry

    Question

    Asked about sanctions against the BBC for failing to prevent such incidents.

    Minister reply

    I expect a response from the BBC on due diligence and actions they will take. If answers are not forthcoming, I have levers at my disposal to hold them accountable.

  • Jack Rankin Con Windsor

    Question

    Suggested that this problem is systemic with a deep-rooted bias against Israel.

    Minister reply

    I feel the strength of emotion behind what the hon. Gentleman says and will use every lever to ensure standards are upheld.

  • Ayoub Khan Ind Birmingham Perry Barr

    Question

    Asked about hypocrisy in condemning incidents that affect different groups.

    Minister reply

    I utterly condemn chants of “Death to all Arabs” and disagree with the hon. Gentleman’s statement regarding hypocrisy.

  • John Cooper Con Dumfries and Galloway

    Question

    Suggested there is a pattern emerging indicating fundamental problems at the BBC.

    Minister reply

    We are investigating incidents to ensure such events do not happen again, but I would need more context before testing that idea.

  • Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim

    Question

    Anyone who witnessed the disgusting images of young, middle-class, educated morons chanting “Death to the IDF” at the weekend can only be alarmed that we have stooped to this level in our society. Even worse, the state broadcaster broadcast those images across the nation. Does the Secretary of State really expect to get any satisfactory answers from an institution that I believe is antisemitic at its very core?

    Minister reply

    In response to Mr Wilson's concerns, I confirm that discussions are taking place with the BBC to ensure a full and honest explanation is provided regarding recent events. The Government expects immediate explanations and will not hesitate to take further action if necessary.

  • Ayoub Khan

    Question

    Towards the end of the Secretary of State’s answer, she said that I did no favours to the Palestinian cause by aligning myself with antisemites. At no stage did I say in my question that I was aligning myself with anyone at the Glastonbury event. Will the Secretary of State clarify what she meant?

    Minister reply

    I understand Mr Khan's point and regret any misunderstanding caused. My intention was not to suggest alignment with antisemites but rather to emphasise the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective on such sensitive issues.

Shadow Comment

Stuart Andrew

I thanked the Secretary of State for her statement but criticised the failure to adhere to high standards by broadcasting hateful rhetoric. The incident raises questions about institutional culture, specifically regarding repeated airtime given to representatives and supporters of Hamas without proper identification as a terrorist organisation. I questioned whether the BBC’s editorial guidelines were clear enough or misinterpreted, and if an independent inquiry is needed for adequate review. I asked about potential breaches under section 22 of the Public Order Act and requested a full review of impartiality and governance standards.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy