On Sunday 23rd May, BBC Politics aired its London regional segment repeatedly claiming there were anti-Semitic placards and slogans present at the London Palestine rally that had around 200,000 people attend.

The show’s anchor simply stated this as a matter of fact without evidence or given anyone any right of reply. Instead the programme showed pictures of “Free Palestine” and other normal pro-Palestinian placards.

In addition, one of the guest from Community Security Trust (CST), well known for defending Israel and pushing a pro-Israel agenda in British communities, stated that left-wing MPs were denoucing Israel facing swastikas, again with no evidence presented or any challenge. Giving the strong impression this is a fact when it is not.

It is clear that this a deliberate attempt at misinformation and propaganda on a BBC show that is meant to be impartial. They cannot get away with it without any consequence.

*ACT NOW*

Make a complaint to the BBC’s online complaint form:

Use the details below to fill in the online form:

1. What is your complain about? – TV (programmes/schedule)
2. Which TV channel or service is your complaint about? – BBC one
3. Are you contacting us about a previous complaint? – No
4. What is the subject of your complaint? – Breach of Accuracy & Due Impartiality on BBC Politics London
5. Please enter your complaint:

“I want to complain about the transparent anti-Palestine bias in today’s Politics London programme (Sunday 23 May), presented by Samantha Simmonds.

The presenter alleged during a passage on anti-Jewish hate crime that anti-Semitic placards were displayed at a protest in support of Palestine the previous day. No examples of such placards were given and is indeed untrue. This was a clear attempt to smear a peaceful protest in which well over 150,000 people participated.

In all of the above, no alternative view was given to balance out what was said by the panellists and the presenter. And there was no panellist to argue opposing points of view.

The programme also failed to focus on the huge rise in Islamophobic attacks since the Gaza bombings started earlier this month. Why is some racism more worthy of addressing than others?

This is a clear breach of Section 3 and 4 of the BBC editorial guidelines: ‘Accuracy’ and ‘Due Impartiality’.”

5. Select the best cateogiry to describe your complaint – Factual Error or Inaccuracy
6. What is the programme title – Politics London
7. When was it broadcasted? – 23rd May 2021
8. Do you require a response to your complaint? – Yes