Complaint
A viewer objected to the prominent presence of EU flags in the audience, which he regarded as an attempt by the BBC to influence opinion. The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the BBC’s editorial standards of impartiality.
Outcome
The policy on flags is set by the venue within their own guidelines. Flags of all kinds are allowed as long as they do not disturb or interrupt the concert and are not intrinsically offensive. As the question of UK membership of the EU is not currently an active controversy, the ECU did not consider the presence of EU flags raised an issue of impartiality.
Not Upheld