Former BBC presenter Danny Kelly has criticised plans for a Palestine ‘day of action’ at the broadcaster, warning that “the optics are terrible.”
Speaking on GB News, Kelly expressed frustration about the initiative which encourages BBC journalists to wear Palestinian colours or keffiyeh scarves to work tomorrow.
“Trust in the BBC is at an all time low and all of a sudden, it would be a stick in the craw to see people walking in to work supporting Palestine, because that’s how it looks,” Kelly said.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC), representing 5.5 million members across 48 unions, has called for workers to “wear something red, green, black or a Palestinian keffiyeh to visibly show solidarity” tomorrow.
Danny Kelly lashed out at the BBC’s ‘terrible optics’
PA / GB NEWS
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has backed the initiative, condemning Israel’s actions which they say have resulted in the deaths of 135 Palestinian journalists since October 7.
The day of action aims to demand a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and an end to violence in Gaza.
The BBC’s coverage of October 7 and Israel’s response was accused of bias in a damning reportGetty Images
Jewish BBC staff have raised concerns that the action would breach the broadcaster’s impartiality guidelines and risk causing offence to colleagues.
One BBC journalist told The Times they had reconsidered their union membership over the “hypocritical and antisemitic” move.
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“BBC journalists, who pride themselves on impartiality and who fought to keep their NUJ free of politics, are being encouraged to break the BBC’s editorial guidelines by supporting a political cause,” the journalist said.
Kelly warned the initiative could create workplace divisions, stating: “It forces you to pick a side. If I was to go work in Birmingham and I didn’t wear any of this, automatically I’m assumed to be on the other side.”
Danny Kelly joined Martin Daubney on GB News
GB NEWS
He expressed concern about the symbolism of the protest, noting: “You can be a member and you can walk in tomorrow with an Arabic scarf, and ostensible you’re acknowledging that over 130 reporters, camera people and journalists have been killed.”
A TUC spokesperson emphasised the need for sensitivity during the protest.
“The day of action is focused on the TUC’s call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages and political prisoners,” the organisation said.
The TUC added: “We are advising trade union members to undertake the action respectfully and to discuss with colleagues what action is best suited to their workplace.”