Group protests Brexit during Last Night of the Proms

A music group arranged an anti-Brexit demonstration during the Last Night of the BBC Proms on Saturday (9 September).

The group in question, Thank EU For the Music, handed thousands of EU flags outside the Albert Hall on Saturday (9 September), which were waved by audience members throughout the evening, including during a performance of Rule Britannia.

An open letter shared on their Facebook page and addressed to BBC Director General Tim Davie said audience members took the European flags inside “in solidarity with musicians who feel (like countless others) the destructive impact of Britain's recent isolation from Europe”.

“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 editorial policy on Brexit matters,” the letter continues.

“I'm sure it cannot have escaped your attention that the artistic endeavours on stage now happen despite, not because of, the limitations that Britain's departure from the European Union have imposed on the creative industries.”

The display provoked backlash from Brexiters and Eurosceptics. Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor led calls for an inquiry by the BBC.

“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!” he posted on Twitter/X.