Lisa Nandy 'not satisfied' with BBC response on Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set
The group have since had several bookings cancelled, including festival appearances in Manchester and France and a slot in Germany.Avon and Somerset Police have launched a criminal investigation into their Glastonbury comments. On Wednesday, London's Metropolitan Police said the band are also under investigation for comments they allegedly made during a concert at Alexandra Palace in May.Following the Glastonbury live stream, which was available to watch on iPlayer for more than four hours after the comments were made, the BBC was criticised by the UK's chief rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, while broadcast regulator Ofcom said the BBC had "questions to answer".In an email to the BBC's Jewish staff network on Tuesday, the corporation's director general Tim Davie said: "I was, and remain, appalled by Bob Vylan's deeply offensive and totally unacceptable behaviour during his Glastonbury set."He added that the performance had "no place on the BBC" and "there is absolutely no place for antisemitism at the BBC".
On Thursday, Nandy told the House of Commons: "I have received a reply to the very many questions that were raised by colleagues on all sides [of the House]. I'm not satisfied with that and I've gone back to the BBC leadership for ask for further information."She said she was particularly concerned "about the failure to pull the live feed, the due diligence that was done prior to deciding to screen this act, and also the level of senior oversight that took place in the BBC during the Glastonbury weekend".She added: "I think the BBC leadership will hear and have heard the strength of feeling in this House about this and I expect further answers to be forthcoming imminently."Nandy also acknowledged the response from Jewish people."Given the seriousness of what happened, and particularly we heard in the House the absolute shocking stories of the impact this has had on the Jewish community in this country - given the seriousness of this, I would expect there to be accountability at the highest levels."The culture secretary's comments came days after she spoke about what she said were several recent editorial failures at the BBC.The corporation is also due to publish a review into the documentary Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone, which was pulled from iPlayer in February after it emerged it was narrated by the child of a Hamas minister."When you have one editorial failure, it's something that must be gripped," Nandy said on Monday. "When you have several, it becomes a problem of leadership."In a statement on Monday, the BBC said the "antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves"."The team were dealing with a live situation but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret this did not happen," the BBC said.In their statement, posted on Instagram on Tuesday, Bob Vylan said: "We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine".They added that "we, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story. We are a distraction from the story, and whatever sanctions we receive will be a distraction".
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Daily Mail
17 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Mel B's traditional white wedding and £28k glitzy bash will be a far cry from first two nuptials which saw her don a showgirl headdress for Jimmy Gulzar 'do before marrying Stephen Belafonte in $60 secret Vegas ceremony
Mel B is set to walk down the aisle for the third time on Saturday as she prepares to marry fiancé Rory McPhee at St Paul's Cathedral. The Spice Girl, 50, will tie the knot with her hairdresser love, 37, in what's said to be a traditional white wedding at the cathedral followed by a lavish £28,000 post nuptial celebration at The Shard. Mel is reportedly set to ditch her famous leopard print attire and instead will say 'I Do' in a conventional white dress, after admitting she wants to feel 'regal and very proper' on her big day. Mel's traditional wedding plans are a far cry from her first two forays down the aisle, which saw the Wannabe hitmaker opt for a head-turning look at her first ceremony, while her second wedding was a cheaper, low-key affair in Las Vegas. At her first wedding, to Dutch backing dancer Jimmy Gulzar in September 1998, Mel ditched the flowing white gown for an unconventional Vegas showgirl style feathered headdress with a white and gold dress. Meanwhile the groom, who proposed following a seven-week romance, echoed her show-stopping look, donning a shiny gold suit and white cowboy hat. Mel's traditional wedding plans are a far cry from her first two forays down the aisle, which saw the Wannabe hitmaker opt for a head-turning look at her first ceremony [pictured with first husband Jimmy Gulzar in 1999] Mel's bandmates Mel C, Emma and Victoria were in attendance, though Geri - who left the band earlier that year - wasn't present. All guests were clad in white. The 40-minute ceremony took place at St John the Baptist church in Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire close to Mel's former 16th Century Manor House, with hundreds of well-wishers lining the street to get a glimpse of the wedding party. However they were left disappointed as guests arrived in blacked-out cars, while a long white canvas tunnel stretched from near Mel's garden [which adjoined the 12th century church] to the church's entrance, shrouding everything in secrecy. Mel's spokesperson at the time Alan Edwards noted ahead of the ceremony: 'It's going to be a nice, low-key affair with family and friends', reported BBC News. A two-tier 120ft by 40ft marquee was said to have been erected in Mel's garden for the ceremony, with guests dining on Mel's favourite dishes Jerk chicken and red snapper. The singer reportedly didn't have time for a hen do, with the Spice Girls playing Don Valley outdoor stadium in Sheffield the day before the wedding amid their sell-out European/North American tour. The singer was three months pregnant with the couple's daughter Phoenix Chi at the time of the wedding, before giving birth in February 1999. Mel and Jimmy separated in January 2000, with their divorce finalised in June that year. Mel went on to marry second husband Stephen Belafonte in a secret Las Vegas wedding back in June 2007. They exchanged vows at the Special Memory Wedding Chapel and were wed by Reverend Marie Stapleton, after just four months of dating. Marie later said of the low-key wedding: 'They paid the $59 on his Visa card. They made no big deal of it. I don't think she has a wedding dress', reported Digital Spy. A statement released shortly after the ceremony stated that the pair wanted to 'make a private commitment to each other'. Mel's publicist said at the time: 'The couple, who are both 32, had wanted to keep the ceremony out of the public eye as they planned a more formal wedding for friends and family later in the year. 'Melanie and Stephen felt that they were at a good point in their lives and wanted to make a private commitment to each other. They have been good friends for many years.' The Las Vegas wedding was followed by a vow renewal in Egypt the following year. In 2008, the then couple recommitted to each other at the Jaz Makadi Golf Hotel in Madinat Makadi, Hurghada in an affair much bigger than the last. They exchanged vows at the Special Memory Wedding Chapel [pictured], Vegas and were wed by Reverend Marie Stapleton, after just four months of dating Guests at the ceremony were said to have included fellow Spice Girls Emma Bunton and Melanie C as well as Denise Van Outen, Fearne Cotton and the late Sarah Harding [Denise and Sarah pictured in 2013] Guests at the ceremony were said to have included fellow Spice Girls Emma Bunton and Melanie C as well as Denise Van Outen, Fearne Cotton and the late Sarah Harding. The couple bagged a £200k celebrity magazine deal with OK! at the time and as part of the terms, reportedly had to invite a number of famous faces whether they were pals or not. A source told The Mirror before the bash: 'Mel and Stephen wanted a lavish do to celebrate their relationship. They agreed to allow the event to be covered by a magazine but are obliged to fulfil certain requirements. One of these is a certain quota of well-known faces - family and close friends simply won't do. 'Most of her friends now are American and Mel keeps herself away from the showbiz scene in London. And she has felt slightly pressured into inviting celebs she's not actually met. But whatever happens Stephen or Mel will have a fantastic day.' The former couple threw a lavish wedding blessing party as they let their hair down on a Red Sea cruise. After Mel and Stephen separated in 2016 she accused him of emotional and physical abuse, which he has always denied. His lawyers said that during the marriage they spent her £50million fortune. Mel grew close to new husband-to-be Rory after the breakdown of her marriage to Stephen. And while Mel's former weddings broke from tradition, her upcoming celebration is set to be an English white wedding affair - with not a spot of leopard print in sight. Sources told The Mail's Alison Boshoff that she will wear British designer Josephine Scott for the service on Saturday, July 5, in the crypt at the church where Prince Charles married Diana Spencer in 1981. It can be revealed that there will be a further celebration with friends and family – and another wedding ceremony – at a hotel in Morocco later in July. Mel will wear a flashier gown, from US wedding designer Justin Alexander, for that one. Mel will later be joined by her guests for a meal, drinks and dancing at the Shangri-La venue [pictured] inside the Shard which boasts 95 floors and promises panoramic views over the capital The Shard stands at 309.6 metres tall and has 95 floors, making it the tallest building in the UK and the fourth tallest in Europe and has in the past held many showbiz parties The star told Women's Wear Daily in May: 'This will be a very formal, English wedding where I want to feel regal and very proper. All the ladies will wear hats or fascinators. 'Then, I'm having a second ceremony abroad, which will be more informal, sexy and beautiful.' Off the back of her prior nuptials, this time round, a friend revealed: 'It's a very traditional dress and the service will be totally traditional. She will come down the aisle to organ music.' Mel will then throw a huge 'party in the sky' after hiring the Shard in London for the wedding reception. MailOnline can reveal that the Spice Girl will be joined by her guests for a meal, drinks and dancing at the Shangri-La venue inside the building which boasts 95 floors and promises panoramic views over the capital. There her friends and family will dance into the small hours as the 'party of the century' has been promised by the bride and groom. Mel, 50, will also stay at the hotel on Friday night with her bridesmaids and close family. One source involved in the wedding said: 'It is going to be huge, the Shard is the most fantastic venue with unforgettable views so it will make for the most memorable event. 'It is conveniently close to St Paul's too, it's third time lucky for Mel so she is going to go all out and celebrate. 'The Shard says that brides and grooms can 'celebrate their special day in the clouds with enchanting London views, your special day will be as breathtaking as your love story' and that is exactly what Mel wants.' The celebrations won't come cheap. Shangri-La charges around £280 per person, meaning that it will cost the singer £28,000 just for their food and small number of drinks. There will then be other costs including DJs, venue hire and extra beverages. The Shard stands at 309.6 metres tall and has 95 floors, making it the tallest building in the UK and the fourth tallest in Europe and has in the past held many showbiz parties, including Sony Music's post BRITs bash. It is understood that Mel will bus her guests from St Paul's Cathedral to the Shard, which is at the southern foot of London Bridge on old Routemasters - similar to the one that was used in their movie Spice World, which was a modified vintage one. However, the A list line up is looking somewhat depleted after MailOnline revealed that neither Victoria Beckham or Geri Halliwell will attend the do, while either Emma Bunton or Melanie Chisholm will also be absent though it is not known yet which one. Sources say that Posh, 51, will be abroad, while Geri's no show is said to be down to hers and Mel's tempestuous relationship. The two women went to war after Mel revealed during an interview on Piers Morgan's Life Stories that she had an intimate relationship with Geri when the band was starting out. Mel celebrated her upcoming wedding with a sun-soaked hen do in Tunisia, featuring leopard-print bikinis, a choreographed dance routine, and a 'Zen party'. Her daughter Phoenix and 35 friends joined in the festivities, which included a lavish menu and dancing by the ocean. The hen do also included a leopard print themed night, as well as a belly dancing class. Mel confirmed she was tying the knot with Rory back in November 2022 after three years of dating after he got down on one knee with a £100k diamond ring. The singer has credited Rory for making her feel 'more confident than ever'.
BBC News
18 minutes ago
- BBC News
Birmingham gets ready for Black Sabbath farewell gig
Update: Date: 09:46 BST Title: Fans are back at the Sabbath mural Content: Chloe HughesBBC News These were the scenes on Navigation Street, near New Street station, shortly before 9am. People were already gathering in front of the Black Sabbath mural, taking selfies and chatting excitedly. Fans are already gathering in front of the mural on Navigation Street You can almost feel it in the air already - an electric sort of buzz. Most were wearing Black Sabbath t-shirts, and there were smiles all around The excitement is building in the city Mr Murals is the street artist who created the impressive artwork. He was visited by the band and gifted tickets to the show. Update: Date: 09:26 BST Title: Excitement building at Villa Park Content: Some of those lucky enough to get a ticket are already in the queue at the Villa Park ground. Jay Wooles and Leigh Gallacher arrived in Birmingham from Caerphilly in Wales on Friday and were at the ground by 8am. They said there were already about 200 people there but the queue for check in was moving quickly and everyone was very excited. Update: Date: 09:12 BST Title: Can I watch it, even if I didn't get tickets? Content: Chloe HughesBBC News Unfortunately the concert is sold out. However, Black Sabbath announced that the event can be live streamed, and said it would be available to watch on-demand for 48 hours after the show. Fans need to pay to view it, and only those who have paid can watch it on-demand afterwards. The stream begins at 15:00 BST today. BBC Radio WM will be covering the event throughout the day as well. Update: Date: 08:48 BST Title: How to get up the Villa? Check your buses and trains Content: As mentioned - it's a huge day for Birmingham. Black Sabbath (along with Metallica, Slayer and Pantera) are playing at Villa Park. Meanwhile, Jeff Lynne plays his farewell hometown gig at the Utilita Arena and Billy Ocean is at the BP Pulse Live. Add the test cricket at Edgbaston and the Colmore Food Festival and you've got a city which is at 90% capacity. Transport wise - Saturday and Sunday will see engineering work take place affecting rail services between Birmingham and Leicester. All day on Saturday and Sunday, buses will replace trains between Nuneaton, Hinckley, Narborough, South Wigston, and Leicester, , external, externalNational Rail said. For Sabbath fans going to Villa Park - extra trains and shuttle buses are provided. Update: Date: 08:28 BST Title: What's been happening in Birmingham? Content: Hoards of fans flocked to the city yesterday - queuing for selfies on the Black Sabbth bridge, looking at the murals and visiting the Working Class Hero exhibition - opened by Sharon Osbourne earlier. Dave and Jennifer Pile arrived from Connecticut after they won tickets to the Sabbath gig in a competition run by an American radio station and went straight into the city to look around. It's not just the fans who got their pictures taken on the bridge. Pantera was at it too. Update: Date: 08:13 BST Title: Sabbath's final show - all profits go to charity Content: Ozzy, 76, will reunite with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist and lyricist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward for the all day show. The show will also feature groups they have influenced over the years - including members of Guns N' Roses and Rage Against the Machine. It's also for a good cause - all profits are being split equally between Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorn Children's Hospice. Cure Parkinson's is a cause close to home for Osbourne as he has largely been forced to stop touring due to its effects and spinal injuries. Acorns has said the donation will enable them to be there for more children and families. Update: Date: 08:03 BST Title: Welcome to our live coverage as Black Sabbath gear up for their final show Content: Hello and welcome to our live coverage as Black Sabbath get ready to perform together for the first time in 20 years. Fans have flocked to Birmingham for the Back to the Beginning show, which is being described at the greatest heavy metal line-up ever. Metallica, Alice in Chains, Pantera, Steve Tyler - all on the bill for this afternoon's show. All at Birmingham's Villa Park.
The Independent
23 minutes ago
- The Independent
Reform backtrack on claim ‘trans-related' library book was in children's section
A Reform -led council has backtracked on its 'trans-related' library book ban, suggesting the move is 'not a change of policy' after conflicting social media posts from councillors. Earlier this week, Kent County Council (KCC) leader Linden Kemkaran said the books were to be removed with immediate effect after a fellow Reform Councillor said he had been informed of 'transgender ideologies' in the children 's section of a library. But KCC has since said that the book which triggered the ban was in fact on display at the front of a library in Herne Bay, rather than the children's section. The council's Liberal Democrat opposition leader, Antony Hook has said that Reform not following 'proper process' in the council and announcing things on social media has created uncertainty. Cllr Kemkaran added on X that 'telling children they're in the 'wrong body' is wrong and simply unacceptable' and said that 'trans-related' works would be removed from the children's sections of all 99 of the county's libraries. The book Reform were referring to was The Autistic Trans Guide to Life by Yenn Purkis and Dr Wenn Lawson, which is a book for autistic trans and/or non-binary adults marketed as providing 'tools and strategies they need to live as their best self'. There is no suggestion from the promotional material around the book that it contains any reference to telling children they are in the 'wrong bodies'. In his video posted to social media on Thursday, the Reform Cllr responsible for the ban Paul Webb claimed: 'I was recently contacted by a concerned member of the public who found trans-ideological material and books in the children's section of one of our libraries – I've looked into this, and it was the case. 'I have today issued an instruction for them all to be removed from the children's section of our libraries.' The council has since rowed back on his suggestion that the book was in the children's section and says that they have not, in fact, changed policy. A KCC spokesperson told PA Media: 'We have not changed policy. We have simply issued internal instructions to reaffirm existing expectations: that adult books are not to be placed in areas specifically aimed at children, such as children's sections or public welcome displays where children select books.' It is unclear how the council will classify transgender-related books, and whether there will be a tangible change as a result of this instruction. Cllr Webb, the Cabinet Member for Community & Regulatory Services said: 'We rightly place child protection and safeguarding at the very top of our list of priorities, as should all adults, especially those that hold public office.' Cllr Kemkaran heralded her colleagues' actions as showing 'courage and common sense in Kent' on X. Cllr Hook told the BBC: 'It is bizarre that the leader of the council is making announcements on social media, rather than to the council.' The copy of The Autistic Trans Guide to Life has been moved from a display at the front of the library 'to a section that is unlikely to be visited by children', the KCC spokesperson said.
