Lisa Nandy Asks Why No BBC Staff Sacked Over Gaza Documentary

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has challenged the BBC over the fact that no one has lost their job for broadcasting a Gaza documentary narrated by the 13‑year‑old son of a Hamas official.

An internal review into the programme — Gaza: How To Survive a Warzone — is expected to be released next week. The film first aired in February but was withdrawn once the narrator’s family links to Hamas came to light.

“I’ve made it clear that those responsible must be held to account,” Nandy told The Times on Saturday. “I’ve asked the BBC board: why hasn’t anyone been dismissed? If this was a sackable mistake, that should happen; if not, the BBC needs to explain why.”

The investigation is headed by Peter Johnston, who runs the corporation’s independent editorial complaints and review unit. It will assess whether editorial rules were breached and whether disciplinary measures are warranted, while also auditing the programme’s costs.

Nandy said she was “exasperated” and still awaiting a satisfactory explanation from the BBC’s chair and director general.

Because of the ongoing review, the BBC postponed and ultimately cancelled another Gaza‑focused documentary, Gaza: Doctors under Attack, which subsequently aired on Channel 4.

Lisa Nandy said the BBC needs to “get a grip” following the broadcast of punk‑rap duo Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set, during which front‑man Bobby Vylan led the crowd in shouting “death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces].” Since the festival performance last Saturday—now under police investigation—the band has been removed from a number of upcoming events.

“The BBC leadership must take control,” Nandy said. “I’m furious on behalf of BBC staff, the wider creative sector, and especially the Jewish community, who deserved far better last weekend. Concrete action is required.”

Bob Vylan—known for tackling issues such as racism, masculinity and class—say they are being “targeted for speaking up.” The pair have long voiced support for Palestinian rights, and also led festival‑goers in chants of “Free Palestine” during their show.

The BBC has been asked for a response but has yet to comment.

Source: Guardian