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| BBC urged to transmit Gaza appeal | BBC urged to transmit Gaza appeal |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| The BBC has again been urged to reconsider its decision not to broadcast a charity appeal for Gaza. | The BBC has again been urged to reconsider its decision not to broadcast a charity appeal for Gaza. |
| International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said it was not too late for a reversal to recognise the "immense human suffering". | International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said it was not too late for a reversal to recognise the "immense human suffering". |
| A protest is to be held outside Broadcasting House in London after the BBC declined to broadcast appeals by the Disasters Emergency Committee. | A protest is to be held outside Broadcasting House in London after the BBC declined to broadcast appeals by the Disasters Emergency Committee. |
| The BBC said it would not compromise its commitment to impartiality. | The BBC said it would not compromise its commitment to impartiality. |
| Mr Alexander said: "I think the British public ... can distinguish between support for humanitarian aid and perceived partiality in a conflict. | Mr Alexander said: "I think the British public ... can distinguish between support for humanitarian aid and perceived partiality in a conflict. |
| "I really struggle to see in the face of the immense human suffering of people in Gaza... that this is in any way a credible argument. | "I really struggle to see in the face of the immense human suffering of people in Gaza... that this is in any way a credible argument. |
| "They still have time to make a different judgement to recognise the immense human suffering." | "They still have time to make a different judgement to recognise the immense human suffering." |
| FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME More from Today programme | FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME More from Today programme |
| He also said people may become concerned that the suffering of people in Gaza was not taken as seriously as suffering in other conflicts. | He also said people may become concerned that the suffering of people in Gaza was not taken as seriously as suffering in other conflicts. |
| BBC Director-General Mark Thompson turned down the request to broadcast the appeal, saying it might jeopardise the public's confidence in the BBC's impartiality. | BBC Director-General Mark Thompson turned down the request to broadcast the appeal, saying it might jeopardise the public's confidence in the BBC's impartiality. |
| His comments were echoed by the BBC's chief operating officer, Caroline Thomson, who said it is important to take all these decisions very seriously. | His comments were echoed by the BBC's chief operating officer, Caroline Thomson, who said it is important to take all these decisions very seriously. |
| She said: "I think what we do for the disaster emergency committee in giving air time for appeals is unique in the BBC... giving time on behalf of a body to appeal for things is a decision that has to be taken very, very carefully. | She said: "I think what we do for the disaster emergency committee in giving air time for appeals is unique in the BBC... giving time on behalf of a body to appeal for things is a decision that has to be taken very, very carefully. |
| As far as being impartial is concerned, that's our job Geoffrey DennisCare International BBC defends Gaza decision | As far as being impartial is concerned, that's our job Geoffrey DennisCare International BBC defends Gaza decision |
| "In the case of natural disasters it's straight forward... in the case of man-made disasters and wars the issue is much, much more complicated. | |
| "The most important thing we can do for the people who are suffering is carrying on reporting it and we've done exemplary work in reporting the suffering of the people of Gaza. | "The most important thing we can do for the people who are suffering is carrying on reporting it and we've done exemplary work in reporting the suffering of the people of Gaza. |
| "If we lose the trust of the audience by appearing, however curious it may seem, to support one side rather than another then we will have lost it for the charities themselves as well as everyone else." | "If we lose the trust of the audience by appearing, however curious it may seem, to support one side rather than another then we will have lost it for the charities themselves as well as everyone else." |
| Military action | Military action |
| Shadow international development secretary Andrew Mitchell said the decision to broadcast was "completely" a matter for the BBC. | Shadow international development secretary Andrew Mitchell said the decision to broadcast was "completely" a matter for the BBC. |
| But he said the appeal should be aired so the public can decide whether to support it. | But he said the appeal should be aired so the public can decide whether to support it. |
| ITV and Sky have also said they will not show the appeal, with an ITV spokesman saying that no consensus could be reached. | ITV and Sky have also said they will not show the appeal, with an ITV spokesman saying that no consensus could be reached. |
| The Disasters Emergency Committee - an umbrella organisation for several major aid charities - said it was disappointed its request to run TV and radio appeals was turned down. | The Disasters Emergency Committee - an umbrella organisation for several major aid charities - said it was disappointed its request to run TV and radio appeals was turned down. |
| Disasters Emergency Committee Gaza humanitarian appeal: Launched by UK charities on 22 January to raise money for Gaza aid relief and reconstructionParticipants: Action Aid, British Red Cross, Cafod, Care International, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World VisionTel: 0370 60 60 900 or go to DEC website | Disasters Emergency Committee Gaza humanitarian appeal: Launched by UK charities on 22 January to raise money for Gaza aid relief and reconstructionParticipants: Action Aid, British Red Cross, Cafod, Care International, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World VisionTel: 0370 60 60 900 or go to DEC website |
| It wanted to raise funds for people in need of food, shelter and medicines as a result of Israel's military action in the Palestinian area. | It wanted to raise funds for people in need of food, shelter and medicines as a result of Israel's military action in the Palestinian area. |
| Geoffrey Dennis, chief executive of the global humanitarian group Care International, said it was not a time for politics. | Geoffrey Dennis, chief executive of the global humanitarian group Care International, said it was not a time for politics. |
| "As far as being impartial is concerned, that's our job... we know exactly what we are doing on the ground, there are a lot of people in real danger at the moment," he said. | "As far as being impartial is concerned, that's our job... we know exactly what we are doing on the ground, there are a lot of people in real danger at the moment," he said. |
| "Fifty per cent of the population in Gaza are under the age of 18, they're not interested in the politics in this, they want to go to school and play football like my son." | "Fifty per cent of the population in Gaza are under the age of 18, they're not interested in the politics in this, they want to go to school and play football like my son." |
| "We don't get involved in the politics, we are saying as all of the major aid agencies in the UK... we need to help these people that are really suffering." | "We don't get involved in the politics, we are saying as all of the major aid agencies in the UK... we need to help these people that are really suffering." |
| Veteran politician Tony Benn, who will speak at the protest at Broadcasting House, said the corporation's position made no sense. | Veteran politician Tony Benn, who will speak at the protest at Broadcasting House, said the corporation's position made no sense. |
| FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME More from Today programme | FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME More from Today programme |
| He told BBC Radio 4: "There's been an absolute crisis in Gaza, you can't allow the BBC to say if we help people who are dying we are going to be engaged in controversy." | He told BBC Radio 4: "There's been an absolute crisis in Gaza, you can't allow the BBC to say if we help people who are dying we are going to be engaged in controversy." |
| Mr Benn is due to address the pro-Palestinian rally called by the Stop the War Coalition, and is expected to say the BBC's refusal is a "betrayal" of its obligations. | |
| Following his speech, the demonstrators intend to march to Trafalgar Square via Downing Street. | |
Here | />Here is a selection of some of the comments you've sent in response to this article. |
| Well done the BBC. You have to remain impartial. I dont see any appeal for the victims of Hamas' and Hizbolla's rocket attacks anywhere, do you?Bob Anderson, Erskine, Scotland | Well done the BBC. You have to remain impartial. I dont see any appeal for the victims of Hamas' and Hizbolla's rocket attacks anywhere, do you?Bob Anderson, Erskine, Scotland |
| An utterly unacceptable decsion by the BBC and other broadcasters. I am simply appalled.John M, Birmingham UK | An utterly unacceptable decsion by the BBC and other broadcasters. I am simply appalled.John M, Birmingham UK |
| Staying impartial is essential for the BBC and they made the right decision.Daniel, Surrey | Staying impartial is essential for the BBC and they made the right decision.Daniel, Surrey |
| Desperate people need help now. The BBC is achieving the feat of being both cowardly - in listening to partisan groups who do not want help to reach afflicted people - and yet high-handed believing that they know more about disasters than DEC. Anne-Marie Swift, Brighton, UK | Desperate people need help now. The BBC is achieving the feat of being both cowardly - in listening to partisan groups who do not want help to reach afflicted people - and yet high-handed believing that they know more about disasters than DEC. Anne-Marie Swift, Brighton, UK |
| Recognizing that not every citizen of Gaza is a member of Hamas, I nonetheless think that the BBC did the right thing. Had the BBC taken sides, it would have violated its impartiality and journalistic integrity. The BBC is one of the few reasonably neutral news sources left.Anonymous, California | Recognizing that not every citizen of Gaza is a member of Hamas, I nonetheless think that the BBC did the right thing. Had the BBC taken sides, it would have violated its impartiality and journalistic integrity. The BBC is one of the few reasonably neutral news sources left.Anonymous, California |
| I believe the BBC has every right to take sovereign decisions without any politicians or pressure groups interfering. The fact that ITV and Sky have taken the same decision shows that this is not some arbitrary BBC action, but that there are some serious journalistic principles at stake.Matthias, Germany | I believe the BBC has every right to take sovereign decisions without any politicians or pressure groups interfering. The fact that ITV and Sky have taken the same decision shows that this is not some arbitrary BBC action, but that there are some serious journalistic principles at stake.Matthias, Germany |
| A bad decision that will erode confidence in BBC. Contrary to what the BBC say, most people will see this as displaying bias towards Isreal. It is not being impartial.Geoff Nield, Nottingham | A bad decision that will erode confidence in BBC. Contrary to what the BBC say, most people will see this as displaying bias towards Isreal. It is not being impartial.Geoff Nield, Nottingham |
| I am truly appalled by the decision of the BBC, ITV and Sky not to broadcast charity appeals by the Disasters Emergency Committee. How can an appeal for humanitarian aid for traumatised, suffering children and their families be considered as taking sides. If "impartiality" means reporting the suffering, but not helping others to relieve it I want nothing to do with it,Roy Hughes, Newcastle upon Tyne UK | I am truly appalled by the decision of the BBC, ITV and Sky not to broadcast charity appeals by the Disasters Emergency Committee. How can an appeal for humanitarian aid for traumatised, suffering children and their families be considered as taking sides. If "impartiality" means reporting the suffering, but not helping others to relieve it I want nothing to do with it,Roy Hughes, Newcastle upon Tyne UK |
| I wish to register my protest at the BBC's refusal to run the appeal for Gaza. It is NOT a political appeal. This is the first time I have complained to the BBC but I feel very strongly that they have taken the wrong decision.Joy Coleman, United Kingdom | I wish to register my protest at the BBC's refusal to run the appeal for Gaza. It is NOT a political appeal. This is the first time I have complained to the BBC but I feel very strongly that they have taken the wrong decision.Joy Coleman, United Kingdom |
| This decision is absurd. People are suffering and need help now. The BBC is making a fool of itself by appearing more concerned with not upsetting a small number of people and ignoring the needs of those without the means to help themselves. The managers who made the decision should be ashamed of themselves.Cyril Durbin, Maidstone, England | This decision is absurd. People are suffering and need help now. The BBC is making a fool of itself by appearing more concerned with not upsetting a small number of people and ignoring the needs of those without the means to help themselves. The managers who made the decision should be ashamed of themselves.Cyril Durbin, Maidstone, England |
| I think the BBC is right not to broadcast the appeal. The BBC should remain impartial, I would be disappointed if the BBC changed its mind.Oliver L, Worcester | I think the BBC is right not to broadcast the appeal. The BBC should remain impartial, I would be disappointed if the BBC changed its mind.Oliver L, Worcester |
| The decision of the BBC not to transmit a humantarian appeal on behalf of those suffering in Gaza is outrageous. Shame, shame shame on you. The decision must be reversed at once and those responsible should resign.Nick Jewson, Cardiff, UK | The decision of the BBC not to transmit a humantarian appeal on behalf of those suffering in Gaza is outrageous. Shame, shame shame on you. The decision must be reversed at once and those responsible should resign.Nick Jewson, Cardiff, UK |
| I think the BBC and other broadcasters are totally correct on this occasion. The BBC already has a lot of criticism it is too hostile to Israel, so to be involved in Gaza appeals would have been very damaging. Adam Greene, Birmingham,UK | I think the BBC and other broadcasters are totally correct on this occasion. The BBC already has a lot of criticism it is too hostile to Israel, so to be involved in Gaza appeals would have been very damaging. Adam Greene, Birmingham,UK |
| It would have been disgraceful had the BBC agreed to broadcast the appeal. It is a shame that they then went on to allow Tony Benn to make the appeal on "Today" and make manifestly false claims about the situation in Gaza.Geoffrey, Dorset England | It would have been disgraceful had the BBC agreed to broadcast the appeal. It is a shame that they then went on to allow Tony Benn to make the appeal on "Today" and make manifestly false claims about the situation in Gaza.Geoffrey, Dorset England |
| Thanks to Tony Benn and, by default the BBC, I now know where to send my cheque for Gaza relief. In deciding not to broadcast this appeal the BBC may have, unwittingly, given the appeal much greater publicity.Tony Messenger, Windsor | Thanks to Tony Benn and, by default the BBC, I now know where to send my cheque for Gaza relief. In deciding not to broadcast this appeal the BBC may have, unwittingly, given the appeal much greater publicity.Tony Messenger, Windsor |
| The BBC should air the DEC appeal which is made up of some of the most respectable charities in the world. Denying them the right to air an appeal, makes the BBC judge and jury in humanitarian disasters, which is an untenable position. Aid for children is not wrong, air the appeal I implore you.Sam, Birmingham | The BBC should air the DEC appeal which is made up of some of the most respectable charities in the world. Denying them the right to air an appeal, makes the BBC judge and jury in humanitarian disasters, which is an untenable position. Aid for children is not wrong, air the appeal I implore you.Sam, Birmingham |
| I have been a supporter of the BBC, but I never thought that it would be so crass as to refuse to broadcast the appeal on behalf of DEC. This must be political correctness gone mad. You should be ashamed of yourselves.Richard Lander, Truro, UK | I have been a supporter of the BBC, but I never thought that it would be so crass as to refuse to broadcast the appeal on behalf of DEC. This must be political correctness gone mad. You should be ashamed of yourselves.Richard Lander, Truro, UK |
| This is a humanitarian issue which all people both individually and in public office should pro-actively support. I suggest the BBC canvass widely as to whether the people of this country support the BBC both in its coverage of the Gaza crisis and now its refusal to actively support the vital rebuild of Gaza.Dave Laws, Broghton | This is a humanitarian issue which all people both individually and in public office should pro-actively support. I suggest the BBC canvass widely as to whether the people of this country support the BBC both in its coverage of the Gaza crisis and now its refusal to actively support the vital rebuild of Gaza.Dave Laws, Broghton |
| I think it is an absolute disgrace that the BBC are not allowing the broadcast on behalf of the Gaza appeal. What is political about trying to support injured and homeless women and children!Mark Thompson is becoming increasingly out of touch with people he is supposed to serve.R Mitchell, Welshpool | I think it is an absolute disgrace that the BBC are not allowing the broadcast on behalf of the Gaza appeal. What is political about trying to support injured and homeless women and children!Mark Thompson is becoming increasingly out of touch with people he is supposed to serve.R Mitchell, Welshpool |
| I feel really let down by the BBC. What's been happening in Gaza is terrible. I don't take sides on the conflict, and I don't have any clues about political solutions, but this is about vulnerable people in need. They require help and we should be giving it to them - how can the BBC not see this?James Pickering, London, UK | I feel really let down by the BBC. What's been happening in Gaza is terrible. I don't take sides on the conflict, and I don't have any clues about political solutions, but this is about vulnerable people in need. They require help and we should be giving it to them - how can the BBC not see this?James Pickering, London, UK |
| As a license fee payer, I strongly feel the BBC should reconsider it's decision. I believe an appeal on behalf of people suffering and in desperate need is as 'apolitical' as one can get. Richard, Cambridge | As a license fee payer, I strongly feel the BBC should reconsider it's decision. I believe an appeal on behalf of people suffering and in desperate need is as 'apolitical' as one can get. Richard, Cambridge |