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Telegraph
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Chief Rabbi: BBC airing of vile Jew-hatred is national shame
The Chief Rabbi has criticised the BBC over its response to a rapper who chanted 'death, death to the IDF' at Glastonbury. Bob Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, repeated the phrase in a performance that was broadcast live by the BBC. The corporation has expressed regret at not pulling the livestream, with the Culture Secretary claiming the issue should have been foreseeable and constituted 'a problem of leadership' for the broadcaster. But in a post on X, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis described the incident as a 'time of national shame'. He said: 'This is a time of national shame. The airing of vile Jew-hatred at Glastonbury and the BBC's belated and mishandled response brings confidence in our national broadcaster's ability to treat anti-Semitism seriously to a new low. 'It should trouble all decent people that now, one need only couch their outright incitement to violence and hatred as edgy political commentary, for ordinary people to not only fail to see it for what it is, but also to cheer it, chant it and celebrate it. 'Toxic Jew-hatred is a threat to our entire society.' The Chief Rabbi's comments came as the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAAS) issued calls for Tim Davie, the BBC's director general, to be sacked following Bob Vylan's set. The campaign group said that if the event was 'not met with the firmest condemnation and recourse, then it is the surest sign yet that Britain is becoming a haven for hatred and unsafe for Jews'. Mr Davie, who was visiting staff at the festival on Saturday afternoon, was informed of the chant shortly after it had been made and ruled that the rap duo's set should not be made available to watch on demand. However, the chant remained on iPlayer for another five hours. Sources stressed that pulling the livestream was not discussed, but a spokesman said that, in hindsight, the BBC regretted that this decision was not taken. A BBC source said: 'Tim was there for a few hours to see the team. He was made aware during the time he was there of what had been said on stage. He intervened to make sure the performance was not made available on demand and he was very clear about that. 'Pulling the livestream brings certain technological challenges. With hindsight, we would have taken it down. He would have asked what the options were, but it isn't as straightforward as hitting a button and taking it down.' Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, suggested that the incident called Mr Davie's position into question. Speaking in the Commons, she said: 'When you have one editorial failure, it's something that must be gripped. When you have several, it becomes a problem of leadership.' Ms Nandy was responding to a question from Peter Prinsley, the MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, who said: 'The murder of hundreds of Jews at the Nova music festival in October 2023 sparked this war. The irony of broadcast anti-Semitism at Glastonbury here in the UK is not lost on any of us. 'So how are Jews, such as myself, in this country to be reassured about the editorial processes of the BBC? And who on Earth will be held accountable for this error?' Ms Nandy said accountability was 'an extremely important point' and 'something that I've impressed upon the BBC leadership'. It is the latest anti-Semitism controversy to engulf the BBC. Earlier this year, the corporation was forced to apologise for 'serious flaws' in a documentary about Gaza, which failed to disclose that the narrator was the son of a Hamas official. Its news reporting on Israel-Gaza has also been criticised. Earlier on Monday, Israel's deputy foreign minister called on Mr Davey to step down if no one was fired over the broadcasting of the chant. Sharren Haskel told The Telegraph's Daily T podcast there should be an investigation into why it took the broadcaster so long to remove the hate speech from the BBC iPlayer on Saturday. During their appearance at Glastonbury, Bob Vylan chanted 'Free! Free!' and the crowd responded 'Palestine!', before they led fans in the chant of 'death, death to the IDF'. Pascal Robinson-Foster, the group's frontman, who performs as Bobby Vylan, also ranted about a Jewish record company boss for whom he had worked. The set was not made available on demand, where programmes can be accessed and watched on iPlayer after their live broadcast has finished. However, it was possible to rewind and watch it back before the live broadcast from the stage where Bob Vylan were performing had finished. The corporation said it regretted broadcasting the 'unacceptable' words, adding: 'The anti-Semitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves. We welcome Glastonbury's condemnation of the performance.' Ms Haskel told the Daily T: 'Who's responsible for that? This is literally someone calling for violence, for ethnic cleansing, for the destruction and the annihilation of the only Jewish state in the world. 'So if there's no one that will take responsibility, if no one will be fired over such an outrageous thing, then I think that Tim Davie should take responsibility because there has to be accountability for that.' Asked to clarify whether she was calling for the resignation of the director general, who has been in the post since 2020, she said: 'If there's no one responsible for that, and if no one's going to be fired over such an outrageous thing, Tim Davie should take responsibility and resign.' Ms Haskel also called for an investigation into the BBC's coverage of the Middle East, adding: 'There should be an inquiry regarding the BBC coverage. 'It was fully biased. Many mistakes were made. not just in the coverage since Oct 7, but their coverage in the Middle East in general and also about how they address anti-Semitism in the UK. How is it possible that something like that has been normalised in the UK? I just don't get it.' In a statement, the BBC said: 'Millions of people tuned in to enjoy Glastonbury this weekend across the BBC's output, but one performance within our livestreams included comments that were deeply offensive. 'The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence. 'The performance was part of a live stream of the West Holts stage on BBC iPlayer. The judgment on Saturday to issue a warning on screen while streaming online was in line with our editorial guidelines. In addition, we took the decision not to make the performance available on demand. '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. 'In light of this weekend, we will look at our guidance around live events so we can be sure teams are clear on when it is acceptable to keep output on air.' Ofcom said it would examine the BBC's decision to air the performance. The watchdog said the BBC 'clearly has questions to answer' over how the set was shown live. An Ofcom spokesman said: 'We are very concerned about the livestream of this performance, and the BBC clearly has questions to answer. 'We have been speaking to the BBC over the weekend and we are obtaining further information as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.' A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police added: 'Video footage and audio from Bob Vylan and Kneecap's performances at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday has been reviewed. Following the completion of that assessment process we have decided further enquiries are required and a criminal investigation is now being undertaken. A senior detective has been appointed to lead this investigation. This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our enquiries are at an early stage. The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.' Avon and Somerset Police also began a review of footage of the set to determine whether any criminal offences were committed. Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the incident as 'appalling hate speech', while the organisers of Glastonbury issued a statement in which they said it had 'crossed a line'. On Monday, Bob Vylan were banned The BBC had previously decided it would not allow a performance by Kneecap to be broadcast as part of the livestream after the pro-Palestinian Northern Irish rappers became embroiled in a separate controversy. Liam O'Hanna, a member of the group, has been charged with a terror offence after a flag showing support for Hezbollah was allegedly displayed at one of the band's gigs in London. He denies wrongdoing. An edited version of Kneecap's performance was subsequently made available by the BBC on its iPlayer platform.
Business Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Jetstar Asia's demise shows that Singapore could do more to attract and keep airlines at Changi
JETSTAR Asia's departure shows that Singapore cannot take its competitiveness as an air hub for granted – and suggests that it can do more to attract and retain airlines. On Wednesday (Jun 11), Jetstar Group announced that its Singapore-based low cost carrier (LCC) Jetstar Asia (JSA) will cease operations this Jul 31. Changi's high airport fees were one reason cited, along with increased supplier costs and regional competition. With the loss of JSA, the only remaining Singapore-based carriers are those of the Singapore Airlines Group: Singapore Airlines, Scoot and Singapore Airlines Cargo. As at the first week of June, JSA operates around 180 weekly services at Changi. This is about 5 per cent of total weekly passenger services, and forms about 3 per cent of passenger traffic, said the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). While Singapore Airlines Group is ramping up flights to cover JSA's exit, Changi may also need to reassess its strategy. JSA's withdrawal brings the spotlight back to the fact that while Singapore is a leading regional air hub, it is also expensive compared to its rivals. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Star struck Started in 2004, JSA is owned by Singapore-based holding company Westbrook Investment (51 per cent) and Australia's Qantas group (49 per cent). Temasek previously held as much as 33.5 per cent, but divested in 2009. JSA is expected to post a loss of S$35 million in underlying earnings before interest and taxes in the financial year ending Jun 30. Jetstar did not specify how airport fees affected its bottom line, but aviation industry observers told The Business Times that these were likely an important reason for the closure. To use airports, airlines pay passenger fees – added to ticket prices – as well as landing, parking and aerobridge (LPA) charges. Such fees go towards the operation, maintenance and expansion of airport infrastructure. Singapore's airport passenger fees are higher than many of its regional rivals, and set to keep rising. CAAS and airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) announced fee hikes for both passengers and airlines over the next five years. Currently, a passenger departing Changi pays S$65.20. This will rise to S$79.20 in 2030. This is several times what a passenger pays in nearby rivals: 700 baht (S$27.64) in Bangkok, 25,000 won (S$23.58) in Seoul, and up to 70 ringgit (S$22) in Kuala Lumpur. Regionally, Hong Kong's fees are closest to Singapore's, at HK$355 (S$57.98). Last year, JSA chief executive officer John Simeone told the media that Singapore was becoming a 'very expensive' location to operate from, whether in terms of airport, operating or ground service charges. In response to media queries, CAG said that airport fees are applied equally to all carriers and constitute a small component of airlines' total operating cost. But industry observers noted that higher passenger fees hit LCCs harder than full-service or legacy carriers. As LCCs have lower ticket prices, airport fees represent a large share of the total. LCCs may also incur higher fees due to their point-to-point service model of flying directly between destinations. This means passengers pay airport departure fees rather than the transit fees of S$12 in Changi. Passengers on legacy carriers may pay the lower transit fee, due to these airlines' hub-and-spoke approach of flying into a major hub and having passengers take onward connecting flights. Higher supplier costs may also contribute to making Changi pricier than its rivals. Qantas group CEO Vanessa Hudson said that JSA has seen some 'supplier costs increase by up to 200 per cent'. These include suppliers that provide supporting services to aircraft, such catering and baggage handling. In Singapore, these suppliers face rising wage pressures, compliance cost and renewed investment in facilities and sustainability infrastructure, said Awad Khireldin, assistant professor of the aviation management degree programme at the Singapore Institute of Technology. To cope with their own costs, suppliers have been charging airlines more. Generating lift CAG said it has been working with airlines, including JSA, to enhance productivity and cost-efficiency. But wider efforts to draw airlines here may be needed. Singapore has ambitious plans to scale Changi's operations further, with Terminal 5 in the mid-2030s. Changi's passenger air traffic reached an all-time high of 68.4 million for the year ended March 2025, with its maximum capacity being around 90 million now. T5 will expand capacity to around 140 million. Yet, growth may be difficult if LCCs avoid the Republic because of high costs. While Apac is predicted to lead global aviation's growth in the coming years, airlines have thin margins. The International Air Transport Association projects that Asia-Pacific airlines' net profit margin per passenger will be just 1.9 per cent, or US$2.60, in 2025. Airlines may not choose Singapore if the cost base is not controlled, and instead head to where they can preserve profits. Granted, CAAS is taking steps to ease the fee hike, such as a 50 per cent LPA fee rebate to airlines from April to September. But perhaps it could go beyond short-term relief, and instead give long-term incentives to airlines that base themselves or increase the scale of their operations in Singapore. Asked if airlines receive benefits to base themselves here, CAAS director for air transport Sidney Koh replied only that Singapore-based airlines enjoy air traffic rights in Singapore's Air Services Agreements with other countries, which can be used to operate flights to those countries. Here, the aviation sector could apply lessons from the maritime industry. Under existing schemes, maritime and shipping companies receive tax breaks and harbour fee rebates, among other things, if they establish operations and register ships here. Changi could explore similar measures and scale them by the size of airline operations. After all, while passenger fees are needed to fund infrastructure improvements, it is counterproductive if they themselves limit passenger numbers. To be fair, fees were only one factor in JSA's descent. Other crucial factors were a lack of scale and the inability or unwillingness to quickly expand due to aircraft shortages. But as competition grows, airlines will be eager for any edge they can get – such as receiving benefits to operate in one of the most strategic, well-run air hubs in the region.
CNA
06-06-2025
- CNA
NDP 2025: Flying of kites, drones not allowed in some areas on selected dates
SINGAPORE: The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) on Friday (Jun 6) said that it will be establishing temporary restricted areas over some parts of Singapore on selected days in June, July, and August. The temporary restricted areas help ensure the safety of the public and low-flying aircraft involved in aerial activities in preparation for the National Day Parade, CAAS and the parade's executive committee said in a joint news release. These areas will encompass the Padang and other parts of Singapore, extending from ground level to 2,500 feet above mean sea level. "Due to flight operational and safety requirements, the temporary restricted areas will cover most of Singapore on Saturdays and National Day," the authorities said. The restrictions will be in effect on several dates between Jun 9 and Aug 9. In the event of poor weather conditions on any of the planned dates, the reserve date of Aug 16 may also be used. "During the stated dates and times, the conduct of all aerial activities, including kite-flying, hoisting of captive balloons and flying of unmanned aircraft such as drones into and within the temporary restricted areas, is strictly prohibited, unless the required permits have been obtained from the CAAS," the authorities said. Carrying out aerial and unmanned aircraft activities in the temporary restricted areas without the required permits from CAAS is an offence. Under the Air Navigation Order, which covers aerial activities, first-time offenders may be fined up to S$20,000. Repeat offenders may be fined up to S$40,000, jailed up to 15 months, or both. Under the Air Navigation (101 – Unmanned Aircraft Operations) Regulations 2019, which covers unmanned aircraft activities, first-time offenders may be fined up to S$50,000, jailed up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to S$100,000, jailed for up to five years, or both. Other than the temporary restricted areas, existing restrictions on the conduct of aerial and unmanned aircraft activities within 5km of aerodromes, danger areas, prohibited areas, restricted areas, and protected areas remain in force. "Members of the public are reminded to check the website or the OneMap app for information on areas where the conduct of aerial activities is prohibited or requires a permit", said CAAS.
Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Straits Times
NDP 2025: Flying of kites, drones to be restricted on some days
The restriction on aerial activities is for the safety of the public and aircraft that will be flying at low levels. ST PHOTO: SOR LUAN NDP 2025: Flying of kites, drones to be restricted on some days SINGAPORE - Unauthorised flying of kites and drones will not be allowed over the Padang and most parts of the island on some days in June, July and August . This restriction on aerial activities during certain times is for the safety of the public and aircraft that will be flying at low levels as part of National Day Parade 2025 preparations, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said in a statement on June 6 . The temporary restricted areas, which include heartland locations such as Bedok and Jurong West , will extend from ground level to 2,500ft ( 762m) above mean sea level. The restrictions will mostly be in effect on Saturdays (June 14, June 21, June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26, Aug 2). T he other affected dates are June 9, 10 and 12. The final affected date is Aug 9 , the day of the NDP. In the event of poor weather conditions on any of the planned dates, the reserve date of Aug 16 may be used. Other aerial activities that are banned within the temporary restricted areas include the hoisting of captive balloons and the flying of unmanned aircraft, unless the required permits have been obtained from CAAS. Those found guilty of unauthorised aerial activities within the temporary restricted areas can be fined up to $20,000 for the first offence. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $40,000, jailed for up to 15 months, or both. Those found guilty of unauthorised unmanned aircraft activities can be fined up to $50,000, jailed for up to two years, or both. The punishment for subsequent offences increases to a fine of up to $100,000, a jail term of up to five years, or both. CAAS said that existing restrictions on aerial and unmanned aircraft activities within 5km of airports, danger areas, prohibited areas, restricted areas and protected areas will still be in effect. Members of the public can check the website or the OneMap app for information on areas where aerial activities are prohibited or require a permit. There will be an increase in flying activities over parts of Singapore during affected dates and times, and CAAS urges the public not to be alarmed. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
22-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Taller buildings could be allowed near Singapore airports with height restrictions review: Chee Hong Tat
SINGAPORE: Height restrictions on buildings near airports could be revised later this year, potentially paving the way for taller residential and commercial developments, said Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat on Thursday (May 22). Speaking at the 40th Singapore Business Awards at the Ritz-Carlton, Mr Chee said proposed changes could enable buildings in various areas across Singapore to be built higher - by up to 15 storeys more for residential use and up to nine storeys more for industrial and commercial purposes. He said other infrastructure and planning considerations, and more studies are needed by various agencies before final decisions are made. The change, Mr Chee said, will support further land intensification, which he described as important because of the scarcity of land in Singapore. 'This will help to open up opportunities for businesses and have the potential to increase our overall housing supply.' Mr Chee said the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has been working with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to explore freeing up airspace around airports for developments. "The revised requirements resulting from this task force's work will come into effect internationally from August," he said. CAAS said on Thursday that this is the first time the ICAO has reviewed its height restriction requirements since the 1950s. "Technological advancements in navigation equipment capabilities and aircraft avionics, together with the emergence of instrument flight procedures, have enabled modern aircraft to operate more precisely in lesser airspace," CAAS said, adding that this potentially allows for more airspace to be freed up for other uses. This was Mr Chee's final address as transport minister before his move to the Ministry of National Development. During his speech, he also gave updates on other infrastructure improvements. FASTER BUS SHELTER CONSTRUCTION Mr Chee announced that the time needed to construct bus shelters has been shortened significantly – from 14 weeks to just four weeks. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has streamlined the approval processes for street works and adopted modular construction methods to speed up installation. Later this year, LTA will expand its vehicle parking proposal and plans lodgement scheme to include additions and alterations work at car parks in residential, commercial and mixed developments. Under the new system, work can now begin immediately upon lodgement instead of waiting up to three weeks for approval. On maritime transport, Mr Chee said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has developed a "digital twin" to monitor vessel movements, port activities and weather conditions in real time. 'For businesses, we hope this can translate to greater operational efficiency, predictability and resilience. For instance, shipping companies can now benefit from real-time visibility of port traffic and operations and take steps to reduce waiting times and operating costs.' SINGAPORE AS A TRUSTED BUSINESS HUB Mr Chee also addressed the broader global economic climate, noting that Singapore faces a more turbulent and uncertain global environment, significantly different from the previous world order. 'The world has become more arbitrary and more protectionist. It is not the same rules-based, multi-lateral global order that enabled a small and open economy like Singapore to thrive,' Mr Chee said. Trust and reliability have become more valuable, and Mr Chee highlighted Singapore's position as a stable and dependable base for long-term investment. He cited DHL's recent launch of its new Pharma Hub in Singapore as an example of international confidence in Singapore as a logistics and business hub. However, as uncertainty continues, 'doubling down on this critical strength will be key to strengthening Singapore's competitiveness in the next phase of our economic growth'. Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of deepening trade links beyond just major economies like the US. The United States currently accounts for 13 per cent of global imports and is the world's largest importer, Mr Chee said. "It is the 800-pound gorilla, as some US government leaders described themselves, but it is not the only gorilla around. There are also other gorillas and great apes, and though they may weigh less than 800 pounds individually. But collectively, their combined weight is actually much more than 800 pounds.'
