Eurovision: UK should withdraw if Israel takes part – Phil Coulter

Eurovision: UK should withdraw if Israel takes part – Phil Coulter

Phil Coulter, a musician and songwriter, has suggested that the UK should boycott the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 if Israel takes part. This proposal follows the decision made by the Irish broadcaster, RTÉ, who declared they will not participate if Israel is involved due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Coulter expressed his full support for RTÉ’s stance, emphasizing the shared feelings of disgust towards the situation in Gaza in both the UK and Ireland. He is known for his involvement in Eurovision, having written or co-written multiple songs, including the UK’s winning song “Puppet on a String” in 1967.

RTÉ, alongside other nations like the Netherlands, is considering a potential boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest depending on the decision made by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the event’s organizer. Coulter stressed the importance of following a moral compass, questioning the disparity in treatment between Israel’s participation and Russia’s expulsion from the previous year’s contest due to the invasion of Ukraine. He urged the BBC to mirror RTÉ’s position and abstain from taking part in next year’s Eurovision if Israel remains involved.

As discussions surrounding the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest continue, various countries, including Spain, Slovenia, and Finland, are contemplating their participation in the event. Iceland’s national broadcaster also indicated a potential withdrawal depending on the EBU’s decision on Israel’s involvement. Despite the growing calls for boycotts, Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, highlighted the ongoing consultations within the EBU to address the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Green emphasized that the decision to partake in the contest rests with each individual broadcaster

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