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More MPs pressure BBC to air film More MPs pressure BBC to air film
(about 2 hours later)
More than 120 MPs from all parties have now backed motions criticising the BBC and Sky for not broadcasting a plea for humanitarian aid funding for Gaza.More than 120 MPs from all parties have now backed motions criticising the BBC and Sky for not broadcasting a plea for humanitarian aid funding for Gaza.
The Disasters Emergency Committee's Gaza Crisis Appeal was screened on Monday by ITV, Channel 4 and Five.The Disasters Emergency Committee's Gaza Crisis Appeal was screened on Monday by ITV, Channel 4 and Five.
The BBC's explanation that airing the film would threaten its impartiality was described in one of the motions as "unconvincing and incoherent". The BBC says airing the film would risk impartiality but some MPs have rejected the argument. Labour MP Martin Linton called it an "outrageous" decision.
Protests over the issue have taken place at BBC Broadcasting House.Protests over the issue have taken place at BBC Broadcasting House.
Mr Burden tabled one Early Day Motion - used by MPs to demonstrate parliamentary support for particular causes - after Sky announced it was joining the BBC in refusing to show the appeal. Labour MP Richard Burden tabled one Early Day Motion - used by MPs to demonstrate parliamentary support for particular causes - after Sky announced it was joining the BBC in refusing to show the appeal.
John Ryley, head of Sky News, said that broadcasting the film would be "incompatible" with its objective role.John Ryley, head of Sky News, said that broadcasting the film would be "incompatible" with its objective role.
PREVIOUS DEC REFUSALS East Africa 2006: Famine appeal rejected by BBC because of difficulties of accessLebanon 2006: BBC refused to air appeal for Israel-Hezbollah conflict victims on grounds of impartialityBurma 2008: Appeal was only broadcast once BBC was satisfied aid would reach victims Send your commentsPREVIOUS DEC REFUSALS East Africa 2006: Famine appeal rejected by BBC because of difficulties of accessLebanon 2006: BBC refused to air appeal for Israel-Hezbollah conflict victims on grounds of impartialityBurma 2008: Appeal was only broadcast once BBC was satisfied aid would reach victims Send your comments
This echoed BBC director general Mark Thompson's concern that the corporation should not give the impression it was "backing one side" over the other.This echoed BBC director general Mark Thompson's concern that the corporation should not give the impression it was "backing one side" over the other.
But Mr Burden said such arguments had been shown to be "more unconvincing and contradictory as time has gone on", claiming the BBC had broadcast appeals from other war zones.But Mr Burden said such arguments had been shown to be "more unconvincing and contradictory as time has gone on", claiming the BBC had broadcast appeals from other war zones.
Another motion calls on "Sky and the BBC to reverse their decision and broadcast the campaign, publicising the details of the DEC appeal and the means whereby members of the public may donate to it".Another motion calls on "Sky and the BBC to reverse their decision and broadcast the campaign, publicising the details of the DEC appeal and the means whereby members of the public may donate to it".
The corporation has come under fire from archbishops, government ministers, charity leaders and thousands of viewers. Several Labour MPs have spoken out against the BBC's decision including Labour's Michael Connarty who said it has "brought the BBC into a position of unacceptable irrelevance to the people of this country".
He added that the corporation has been "run by idiots for the last decade".
His Labour colleague, Martin Linton suggested the director general Mark Thompson should appear on BBC Radio 4's Moral Maze to try to "get his head around this problem".
The corporation has also come under fire from archbishops, government ministers, charity leaders and thousands of viewers.
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 website Mark Thompson on Gaza appealThe humanitarian battleBBC Gaza appeal row reactionDisasters 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 Mark Thompson on Gaza appealThe humanitarian battleBBC Gaza appeal row reaction
The Disasters Emergency Committee, which represents more than a dozen aid agencies, is appealing for money to buy food, medicine and blankets following the Israeli assault on Gaza.The Disasters Emergency Committee, which represents more than a dozen aid agencies, is appealing for money to buy food, medicine and blankets following the Israeli assault on Gaza.
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 Sir 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 Sir Michael Lyons who said some were "coming close to constituting undue interference in the editorial independence of the BBC".
The UN Relief and Works Agency, the largest humanitarian organisation working in Gaza, said there was a "huge and overwhelming need" for aid.The UN Relief and Works Agency, the largest humanitarian organisation working in Gaza, said there was a "huge and overwhelming need" for aid.
It described the situation as a "political crisis with grave humanitarian consequences" and estimated the cost of "rehabilitation and repair" at $345m (£257m), with two-thirds currently unfunded.It described the situation as a "political crisis with grave humanitarian consequences" and estimated the cost of "rehabilitation and repair" at $345m (£257m), with two-thirds currently unfunded.