BBC Staff Resign from Journalists' Union Over Palestinian Flag Directive

A number of BBC staff members have resigned from the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) after being instructed to wear the colors of the Palestinian flag, sparking controversy within the media and union communities. The directive, issued by both the NUJ and the Trades Union Congress (TUC), was part of a Day of Action for Palestine, a movement calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Workers were urged to wear red, green, black, or a Palestinian keffiyeh to show solidarity.

This initiative has ignited a fierce debate within the BBC, where impartiality is a core value.

One BBC staff member, speaking to the Jewish News media portal, condemned the suggestion as “hypocritical and antisemitic,” claiming that it undermined the BBC’s editorial guidelines on impartial reporting. The staff member argued that journalists, who have historically fought to keep their union free from political influence, were now being encouraged to support a political cause, violating their professional standards.

The NUJ’s response to the controversy acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue, especially for those working in public service broadcasting. The union emphasized that its members should adhere to social media guidelines and maintain impartiality in their professional roles.

Growing Resignation and Discontent

Following the incident, several members of the NUJ, including freelance journalist Charlotte Henry, resigned, citing the union's increasingly hostile environment for Jewish members. Henry stated that she could no longer remain part of a union that she felt was becoming a difficult and unsafe space for Jewish individuals.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) declined to comment on whether similar directives had been issued in the past for other global conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, but did note that they had never asked workers to wear Ukrainian colors during the conflict with Russia.

Impact on Jewish Staff and BBC Impartiality

The Board of Deputies of British Jews criticized both the NUJ and TUC for encouraging actions that could create a divisive and belligerent atmosphere in workplaces. They warned that such actions could exacerbate tensions for Jewish staff members, many of whom are already facing difficult circumstances due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The controversy comes at a time when the BBC is already under scrutiny for its coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict. A report from The Telegraph in September highlighted concerns about the BBC’s coverage, claiming it had breached editorial guidelines over 1,500 times since the war began. The research suggested that the BBC displayed a pattern of bias against Israel, including downplaying Hamas terrorism while portraying Israel as a "militaristic and aggressive nation."