A Shenley councillor has launched a petition calling on the public to boycott the BBC licence fee following an incident at Glastonbury Festival.
Councillor Natalie Susman’s petition gained more than 5,000 signatures in just a couple of hours, and at the time of writing stands at 8,309.
This follows a performance by punk rap duo Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, during which the lead singer led chants of “death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]”. He also chanted “free, free Palestine”.
A criminal investigation has now been launched to investigate whether the comments made amount to a criminal offence.
The BBC has come under fire for its live broadcast of Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set, with some saying they should have cut away from the performance. It has not been made available to watch on iPlayer.
The petition is calling for residents to withhold their licence fee from the BBC “until meaningful changes are made”.
Cllr Susman said: “It’s unfathomable that an institution funded by public money would allow — and by continued broadcast effectively endorse — such divisive and dangerous content. The very essence of journalism is to inform and unify, not to spread hate or incite violence against any community.”
Other Hertsmere borough councillors have also voiced their concern over the incident, and Sir Oliver Dowden CBE, MP for Hertsmere, has pledged his support.
He said: “I stand with Natalie and the borough team in demanding a media landscape that reflects justice, inclusivity, and respect for all communities. Sign this petition today to make your voice heard and push for BBC accountability.”
To view the petition, visit www.t.ly/0DLfA
The BBC has been contacted for comment.
Photo: Shenley Parish Council
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