Angus Robertson has joined the calls for the BBC to boycott Eurovision if Israel continue to be involved.
The Scottish Government Culture Secretary wants the UK to join other countries that have threatened to pull out unless Israel are banned.
The Netherlands are the latest country who have confirmed they will pull out of the event in 2026, following in the footsteps of Ireland who say they will refuse to be involved.
Ireland said they would be unable to take part ‘given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza’.
Broadcaster RTE made the statement earlier this week and Dutch public broadcaster Avrotos followed by saying: “Human suffering, the suppression of press freedom and political interference are at odds with the values of public broadcasting.”
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Slovenia have also announced they will not take part in the event, which is due to take place in Austria in May 2026.
Now Mr Robertson has joined those who are calling for the UK and BBC to boycott the annual competition unless Israel are stopped from taking part.
He posted on social media to say: “The BBC should join the growing number of broadcasters to boycott Eurovision if Israel is involved.
“The UK should not take part in Eurovision Song Contest as genocide continues in Gaza.”
Scottish Greens MSP Patrick Harvie has also called for a boycott, as he said: “Eurovision is a celebration of diversity, love and unity. I want people to be able to truly enjoy it, but that’s not possible if it’s being used to whitewash genocide.”
The national broadcasters of Ireland and Slovenia have already announced plans to boycott the contest, which is run by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), if Israel is allowed to take part.
“The BBC carries a loud voice and should use it to join RTE and others in speaking out against Israel’s inclusion and joining the boycott.
“Russia has been rightly excluded since its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine. Palestinian lives are worth just as much as Ukrainian ones, and the same principles have to apply.”
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