Opinion
11 Sep 23

Hundred of EU Flags on display at Last Night of the Proms spurs outrage from Brexiters

The showcase was hailed as a success by a pro-European group of music fans -Thank EU For The Music- who organised the display and handed out the flags outside the Albert Hall.

Brexiters are calling on the BBC to investigate the sight of hundreds of European Flags at the Last Night of the Proms on Saturday evening.

EU flags seemingly outnumbered the Union Jack at the usually patriotic event in the Royal Albert Hall.

The spectacle, which occurred as some attendees belted out ‘Rule Britannia’, has outraged Eurosceptics.

Getting shitloads of EU flags into Royal Albert Hall for Last Night of the Proms is the best marketing activation of the decade. Gongs all round for all concerned. pic.twitter.com/CKqoe1O6ie

— Gavin Marshall (@Gav_M) September 9, 2023

“BBC must investigate how so many EU flags were waved & on display at The Last Night of the Proms,” said Harvey Proctor on Twitter, a former Conservative MP. Disgraceful & misguided BBC.

“Messing up a British tradition; a political gesture which would make Sir Henry Wood turn in his grave. Utterly vulgar & wrong. Rule Britannia, not Rule EU!”

BBC must investigate how so many EU flags were waved & on display at The Last Night of the Proms. Disgraceful & misguided BBC messing up a British tradition; a political gesture which would make Sir Henry Wood turn in his grave. Utterly vulgar & wrong.

Rule Britannia, not Rule… pic.twitter.com/F0XrSzEtAN

— Harvey Proctor (@KHarveyProctor) September 9, 2023

The showcase was hailed as a success by a pro-European group of music fans -Thank EU For The Music- who organised the display and handed out the flags outside the Albert Hall.

In an open letter to BBC director general Tim Davie, the group said the stunt was a demonstration against Brexit.

“Tens of thousands of music lovers have taken our free European flags into the Royal Albert Hall for each Last Night of the Proms in solidarity with musicians who feel (like countless others) the destructive impact of Britain’s recent isolation from Europe,” they said.

The letter added: “We appreciate that the BBC strives to avoid controversy at all costs, but would gently point out that in doing so you might on occasion have chosen reticence rather than objectivity with regards to editorial policy on Brexit matters,” they added

Saturday’s Last Night of the Proms was the first full iteration of the occasion since before the Covid-19 pandemic, as last year’s event was cancelled following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.