This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7850407.stm

The article has changed 21 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
MPs back motion on BBC Gaza row MPs back motion on BBC Gaza row
(about 6 hours later)
More than 50 MPs say they will back a parliamentary motion urging the BBC to screen a charity appeal for Gaza.More than 50 MPs say they will back a parliamentary motion urging the BBC to screen a charity appeal for Gaza.
The BBC says broadcasting the Disasters Emergency Committee film would put its reputation for impartiality at risk.The BBC says broadcasting the Disasters Emergency Committee film would put its reputation for impartiality at risk.
Criticism over the corporation's decision has come from archbishops, government ministers, charity leaders and 11,000 viewers.Criticism over the corporation's decision has come from archbishops, government ministers, charity leaders and 11,000 viewers.
Broadcasters ITV, Channels 4 and Five are to show the appeal later. Sky is yet to make a decision.Broadcasters ITV, Channels 4 and Five are to show the appeal later. Sky is yet to make a decision.
The DEC, which represents more than a dozen aid agencies, is asking for money to buy food, medicine and blankets following the Israeli assault on Gaza.The DEC, which represents more than a dozen aid agencies, is asking for money to buy food, medicine and blankets following the Israeli assault on Gaza.
Labour MP Richard Burden is putting forward the early day motion.Labour MP Richard Burden is putting forward the early day motion.
He said: "Last time I looked... it was 57 MPs from different parties, Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrats and others.He said: "Last time I looked... it was 57 MPs from different parties, Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrats and others.
The high profile controversy has given this appeal more publicity than it could possibly have imagined getting MP Mark FieldThe high profile controversy has given this appeal more publicity than it could possibly have imagined getting MP Mark Field
"I think there's great concern about what the BBC has done here.""I think there's great concern about what the BBC has done here."
Culture Secretary Andy Burnham has said the BBC is right to make its own judgement over the appeal.Culture Secretary Andy Burnham has said the BBC is right to make its own judgement over the appeal.
BBC director general Mark Thompson said the danger for the BBC "is that this could be interpreted as taking a political stance on an ongoing story".BBC director general Mark Thompson said the danger for the BBC "is that this could be interpreted as taking a political stance on an ongoing story".
A string of politicians, including International Secretary Douglas Alexander, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and opposition spokesmen, have urged the corporation to reconsider its position.A string of politicians, including International Secretary Douglas Alexander, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and opposition spokesmen, have urged the corporation to reconsider its position.
Their comments drew criticism from BBC Trust chairman Michael Lyons who said some were "coming close to constituting undue interference in the editorial independence of the BBC".Their comments drew criticism from BBC Trust chairman Michael Lyons who said some were "coming close to constituting undue interference in the editorial independence of the BBC".
The corporation's former director general, Greg Dyke, said it was in a "no win" situation.The corporation's former director general, Greg Dyke, said it was in a "no win" situation.
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 VisionInformation on 0370 60 60 900 or at DEC websiteDisasters 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 VisionInformation on 0370 60 60 900 or at DEC website
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has accused the BBC of getting its priorities "upside down".Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has accused the BBC of getting its priorities "upside down".
The Church of England also waded into the row, with the Archbishop of York appealing for the BBC to consider humanity, not impartiality, and show the film.The Church of England also waded into the row, with the Archbishop of York appealing for the BBC to consider humanity, not impartiality, and show the film.
In a direct appeal to the BBC, Dr John Sentamu said: "Come on Auntie Beeb. Wake up and get on with it."In a direct appeal to the BBC, Dr John Sentamu said: "Come on Auntie Beeb. Wake up and get on with it."
The Charity Commission, which regulates UK charities, echoed calls for the BBC to reconsider, saying the work of the agencies would be hampered without "maximum public support".The Charity Commission, which regulates UK charities, echoed calls for the BBC to reconsider, saying the work of the agencies would be hampered without "maximum public support".
Labour MP Gerald Kaufman claimed the BBC was worrying about what he called the "nasty pressure" from some pro-Israeli lobbyists.
"Probably the (BBC's) attitude has been: 'Oh this is just too much trouble'," he said.
"And it's too much trouble because of the pressure of the Israelis. This... very active and not very pleasant Israeli diplomatic representation in Britain."
However, Conservative MP Mark Field believes the row has boosted the profile of the appeal.However, Conservative MP Mark Field believes the row has boosted the profile of the appeal.
"The high profile controversy has given this appeal more publicity than it could possibly have imagined getting," he said."The high profile controversy has given this appeal more publicity than it could possibly have imagined getting," he said.
"In many ways, it has achieved a lot of its aims that way without necessarily having to have a fully-fledged BBC coverage.""In many ways, it has achieved a lot of its aims that way without necessarily having to have a fully-fledged BBC coverage."