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NewsBeat

Children’s home approved on appeal for Crook property

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Children's home approved on appeal for Crook property

The facility at New Road, Crook, has been approved by a planning inspector despite the authority’s safety concerns. 

Durham County Council’s planning committee voted down the plans after hearing from residents who were fearful of increased crime in the area after a spate of incidents. 

But now, an inspector has ruled that the location of the children’s home is “suitable” and would not directly lead to disorder. 

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Oliver Knowles, of Karoo Group Limited, applied to convert the property, known as Applegarth, to accommodate up to two children, with carers working shifts to provide 24-hour care. 

Durham Constabulary and the council’s children and young people’s services raised no objections to the proposal, stating that there is a need for smaller children’s homes in the area. 

But Mr Knowles faced opposition from 31 letters of objection and Crook’s Reform county councillor, Robbie Roddis. 

Other concerns noted the high number of crime incidents reported in Crook, including within Glenholme Park and the grounds of Lidl, which are a short walk from the property. 

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Cllr Roddis said: “Crook is a town that has sadly gained a reputation over several years for anti-social activity. Due to these activities, it has been the subject of several countrywide reports concerning the criminality of a growing minority.  

“We all have a responsibility to children. Applegarth is not the solution to this responsibility and certainly will cause more issues than it is expected to solve.”

Joy Allen, Durham and Darlington’s Police and Crime Commissioner, also warned that children from outside the area could be housed inside the facility and that responding to incidents could take up a large amount of police resources.

But the inspector said it could not refuse the proposal based on the concerns. 

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The decision read: “I acknowledge perceived fears of some residents about the potential for antisocial behaviour, arising from the use of the property as a children’s home. 

“It is possible that some of the children living in the property may need additional support, but there is no reason to doubt that they would be properly cared for and assisted.

“I do not find that it would be reasonable to refuse planning permission, based upon the perceived fears of some, about possible anti-social behaviour or criminal activity.”

“There is also no substantive evidence to suggest that children living in the home would affect police resources any more than children living in a family home.”

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New primary school for 1,500 homes in Eggborough, Selby

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New primary school for 1,500 homes in Eggborough, Selby

A purpose-built extra care scheme is also proposed as part of a package worth more than £20m for the development on the edge of the village of Eggborough, south of Selby.

North Yorkshire Council’s strategic planning committee has been recommended to approve plans for the development when it meets next week

The scheme would include up to 1,500 homes, extra care housing, a local centre with shops and services, open space and new walking and cycling routes.

A contribution of around £6.5m would be made for the council to build a new primary school with at least 420 places, with a further £1.7m being used to improve primary care services.

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A contribution of more than £1m would go to the new Selby Special School.

A total of 365 objections were submitted during consultation, with residents raising concerns about the scale of development, pressure on infrastructure, traffic congestion, flooding, loss of farmland and the impact on the rural character of the village.

Objectors also warned the development could reduce the separation between Eggborough and Kellington and place further strain on roads, schools and healthcare services.

Eggborough masterplan.Eggborough masterplan.

However, planning officers concluded the proposal should be approved because of the council’s inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply in the former Selby district area.

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In their report, officers acknowledged the development conflicts with existing countryside protection policies because the site lies outside current development limits.

But they said national planning rules requiring councils to significantly boost housing supply outweighed those concerns.

The report states the site is considered a “sustainable location” due to its position next to a designated service village and because the scheme would deliver housing, affordable homes, a school and community facilities.

The plans also include highway improvements such as a new roundabout on Weeland Road, pedestrian and cycle links, new crossings, bus stop upgrades and changes to speed limits.

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Planning officers accepted the development would result in the permanent loss of more than 50 hectares of best and most versatile agricultural land and would have a significant impact on the landscape.

However, they concluded that the economic, social and housing benefits of the development outweighed the harm identified.

The application is due to be decided by councillors on Tuesday.

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NI Councillor attends Tommy Robinson rally dressed as giant Union flag

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Belfast Live

Speaking to Belfast Live from London, Councillor Clarke said that ” the colour and patriotism on display makes you very proud to be British.”

A Northern Irish councillor has attended Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom rally, dressed head to toe in Union flags.

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Cllr David Clarke, who works as a teacher, was co-opted onto Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for the DUP in 2023, before quitting the party and subsequently joining the TUV. He told Belfast Live that attending the rally had been an “encouraging experience”.

At least seven people, including Polish MEP Dominik Tarczynski and anti-Islam influencer Valentina Gomez, were blocked from entering the UK to attend the rally.

Newry-born anti-immigration ‘influencer’, Andy Malone, who now lives in Dubai, had been expected to speak at the rally, but earlier this week he informed his followers that he had to cancel his flights after being told he would be arrested upon arrival.

Speaking to Belfast Live from London, Cllr Clarke said: “I am delighted to be in the capital of the United Kingdom today in a personal capacity. It has been a very encouraging experience so far to stand and engage with fellow British citizens from across the British Isles.

“The atmosphere is electric in London today. The colour and patriotism on display make you very proud to be British. It is, however, a stark reminder that whilst Northern Ireland has not been forgotten by our fellow countrymen and women, it has been let down by successive Governments who have pandered to the demands of the EU before part of its own country.

“To that end, our government must take a stand immediately for this entire nation by ending the partitioning of it by removing the imposition of a foreign EU border, along with all the foreign EU Laws imposed on us that we don’t make and can’t change.

“I’m also looking forward to hearing a true UK unionist and loyal friend of Ulster, Northern Ireland, Ben Habib speaking at this event later on today.”

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Celtic fans invade Parkhead pitch after league victory over Hearts

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Daily Record

Supporters stormed the pitch at Parkhead on Saturday afternoon moments after Celtic secured the 3-1 win at home to Hearts.

Celtic fans stormed the pitch at Celtic Park following the club’s Scottish Premiership victory.

Supporters stormed the pitch at Parkhead on Saturday afternoon moments after Celtic secured the 3-1 win at home to Hearts. Footage shows fans jumping over barriers to join players during celebrations.

Hearts players were escorted down the tunnel to safety. It comes after Celtic striker Callum Osmand scored the third goal in the 90th minute to seal the victory.

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Derek McInnes’ Jambos – having been top all the way since late September – arrived at a partisan Celtic Park knowing they only needed a draw to claim the top-flight title for the first time since 1960. But the Edinburgh club’s stunning bid for glory, which made headlines worldwide, ended in the cruellest fashion as Celtic eked out a 3-1 victory over their title rivals through late goals by Daizen Maeda and substitute Osmand.

Police Scotland has now confirmed several roads in the Trongate area of Glasgow will now be closed in anticipation of celebrations by Celtic supporters. The Gallowgate is closed between Watson Street and High Street.

London Road is closed between Glasgow Cross and James Morrison Street. High Street and Saltmarket remain open.

People are asked to avoid the Trongate area where possible.

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A statement from Police Scotland reads: “We have a comprehensive policing place in place which is focused on ensuring public safety and minimising disruption to the public. Anyone planning to visit Glasgow City Centre today should be aware it will be much busier than normal, with increased use of public transport.

“Please plan your travel in advance and thank you for your patience.”

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “Glasgow is football daft – and we’re lucky to have two of the biggest and most successful sides in the men’s game here in the city. We want supporters to be able to celebrate success; but ask fans – including those visiting the city – to please avoid disruptive and unsafe mass gatherings at Merchant City / Trongate and other public places.

“Whoever you support, whatever the result – enjoy Saturday’s title decider, but please respect the city and your fellow Glaswegians.”

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Kenwood Avenue, Leigh GMP investigation after shots fired

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Kenwood Avenue, Leigh GMP investigation after shots fired

Police were called to Kenwood Avenue shortly before 11pm following reports of a suspected firearms discharge.

The victim, a man in his 40s, suffered injuries believed to have been caused by a firearm.

His injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening, Greater Manchester Police said.

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Detectives believe the shots were fired while the man was outside a property.

The offender then ran off in the direction of Manchester Road, according to officers.

No arrests had been made as of Saturday morning and a scene remained in place while enquiries continued.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Bell, of GMP’s Wigan and Leigh district, said: “We are investigating a firearms discharge that occurred overnight, and I want to reassure the community in the local area that this appears to be an isolated incident.

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“I understand that incidents of this nature can cause concern among residents and since it occurred, we have taken all steps necessary to keep our investigation moving at pace.

“We have increased our presence in the area also with officers out on patrol. They are there for your safety but please speak to them if you have any concerns at all or information that might help with our investigation.”

Police said this type of offending “does not belong on our streets” and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone with dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage from the surrounding area.

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Anyone with information can contact GMP on 101 quoting log 3830 of 15/05/2026 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

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Middlesbrough man’s ‘fall from grace’ after defrauding customers

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Middlesbrough man’s 'fall from grace' after defrauding customers

John Rowe, of Nantwich Close, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, ran an online retail site, Sethcodoorstore, which was described as successful and delivered hundreds of orders.

But after the “catastrophic” failure of a third-party company Rowe was involved with wiped out his working capital, he could not fulfil orders which continued to be placed with the business as he had no funds to pay suppliers.

However, he failed to advise customers of the circumstances he was in, triggering more than 30 separate complaints with trading standards from people who paid for items which were not fulfilled and then sought refunds.

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Judge Nathan Adams, sitting at Teesside Crown Court, handed Rowe, who previously admitted a charge of carrying on a business or company with intent to defraud creditors between May 1, 2022 and October 31, 2023, an eight month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He said that had the matter gone to trial and Rowe had been convicted, he could have faced an immediate 12 month jail sentence, but he was able to take into account his early guilty plea and previous good character.

Prosecutor Josh Normanton said 44-year-old Rowe had made “false excuses” and “promises and promises and promises”.

He said an aggravated feature was a failure to respond to warnings from trading standards who had told him to cease his conduct.

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Mr Normanton said: “The defendant appears to have given the impression to trading standards that everything was in order and he was sorting things out, when the evidence suggested a different position.”

Rowe’s legal representative Sarah Lish said that of 34 customers who complained they had lost money, he had refunded 27 in full to date and had made every effort to pay creditors who were out of pocket.

The advocate solicitor said Rowe fully accepted he made false representations to customers about the whereabouts of products that had been ordered and refunds that were asked for.

She said the company – registered in 2017 – remained active with Rowe as a director, but it was his intention to shut it down once any remaining individuals had been paid.

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He was also now in paid employment elsewhere.

Ms Lish said: “This wasn’t someone who just took people’s money and spent it on himself and didn’t provide any service whatsoever.

“He was attempting to operate the business and keep his head above water,  and there had been a vast number of orders made and completed.”

Ms Lish said when he was contacted by trading standards he “buried his head in the sand [as] everything was becoming quite unmanageable”, adding: “Mr Rowe can’t apologise enough for his fall from grace.

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“He had a very successful business and was doing excellent trading.”

Sentencing the defendant, Judge Adams said he lied to a number of customers about the progress of orders and the possibility of refunds, keeping the money for the business to be applied in other ways.

He said among the complainants, 22 customers had paid £16,000, which was not returned to them at the time, and there was a “large number of victims” with the activity conducted over a sustained period.

Judge Adams said he concurred with a Probation Service assessment which said Rowe was at low risk of re-offending and the suspended sentence was the best course of action moving forward.

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He also ordered him to undertake 140 hours of unpaid work in the community.

Meanwhile, a further court hearing later this year was scheduled as part of confiscation proceedings which could seize remaining assets from Rowe.

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Celtic clinch fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title with dramatic win over Hearts

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Celtic clinch fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title with dramatic win over Hearts

Celtic dashed Hearts’ Scottish Premiership dreams as Daizen Maeda’s late VAR-assisted winner helped the hosts secure a 3-1 victory in the title decider at Celtic Park

Celtic crushed Hearts’ Scottish Premiership aspirations in stunning circumstances as Daizen Maeda’s controversial late strike, confirmed by VAR, sealed a decisive 3-1 triumph in the championship showdown.

The Edinburgh side looked set to end the four-decade dominance of the Old Firm until Maeda found the net in the 87th minute.

His joy appeared short-lived as the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside – however, a swift VAR check revealed the Japanese attacker was level, igniting euphoric scenes among the Celtic Park faithful.

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Hearts committed bodies forward for a set-piece deep into eight additional minutes, but Celtic countered and 20-year-old replacement Callum Osmand finished into an unguarded goal to rubber-stamp their fifth consecutive championship.

Lawrence Shankland had nodded the visitors ahead in the 43rd minute, before Arne Engels equalised from the spot in first-half injury time.

Meanwhile, on the final matchday for the top-six clubs, 10-man Motherwell guaranteed European qualification with a 1-0 triumph at Easter Road courtesy of Lukas Fadinger’s 35th-minute effort.

Hibernian failed to find a response despite Elliot Watt’s dismissal, and their continental ambitions now depend on Celtic claiming the Scottish Cup.

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Youssef Chermiti bagged a treble as third-placed Rangers concluded their season with a 5-2 victory at Falkirk, halting their four-match losing run.

More to follow. . .

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Man in 30s dies suddenly outside Lidl in Somerset as police launch investigation

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Daily Mirror

A cordon is in place at the Lidl in Seaward Way, Minehead after a man in his 30s suddenly died – police have now launched an investigation

Police have launched an investigation after a man died suddenly outside a Lidl supermarket in Somerset.

A cordon is in place at the Lidl in Seaward Way, Minehead after paramedics gave emergency treatment to a man in his 30s.

The South Western Ambulance Service called Avon and Somerset Police to the scene shortly before 5am today. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Avon and Somerset Police say his death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. The man has been formally identified and his next of kin have been informed.

A spokesperson for the force said there will be a heightened police presence in the area throughout the day while further enquiries are carried out, Somerset Live reports.

READ MORE: Soldier falls from horse and dies at Royal Windsor Horse Show attended by KingREAD MORE: Missing Brit found dead after days-long search in Spanish national park

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Avon and Somerset Police said: “A scene is in place in Seaward Way, in Minehead, this morning (Saturday 16 May).

“We were called just before 5am by the ambulance service who were administering treatment to a man in his thirties. Sadly, despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His death is currently being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.

“Formal identification has taken place and his next of kin has been informed. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time and they are being offered support.

“Members of the public can expect to see a heightened police presence throughout the day while enquiries are carried out.

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“If you were in the area and witnessed anything, please call us on 101 and quote reference 5226134077.”

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Bolton man arrested in Spain after UK most wanted appeal

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Bolton man arrested in Spain after UK most wanted appeal

The arrest came shortly after law enforcement agencies released details of 12 fugitives believed to be living in Spain under false identities or within expatriate communities.

Simon Dutton, aged 49 and from Bolton, was arrested in La Nucía near Benidorm on Thursday, May 14.

He had been named as one of the most wanted fugitives linked to Spain, with authorities warning the public that the individuals “are not the people you want in your neighbourhood”.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said the operation is part of a wider, long-running effort to trace suspects believed to be evading justice overseas.

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Rob Jones, NCA Director General of Operations, said: “Fugitives rarely stop offending while on the run.

Simon Dutton, a wanted criminal thought to be hiding in Spain who is named in the latest list under Operation Captura. (Image: NCA/PA Wire)

“They continue to harm communities in both Spain and the UK, and attempt to stay under the radar by blending into large British ex-pat populations.

“These are not people you want in your neighbourhood.”

He added that suspects “will generally integrate themselves into these communities” and use them to avoid detection while continuing to offend.

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The agency said some fugitives use false identities and, in some cases, change their appearance in an attempt to avoid being recognised.

Authorities believe many continue criminal activity while on the run, including drug trafficking, fraud and money laundering across borders.

Dutton had previously been sentenced for organising large-scale cocaine importations into the UK and money laundering offences.

He was also wanted over alleged false passport offences and breaching a Serious Crime Prevention Order.

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he 12 most wanted criminals thought to be hiding in Spain who are named in the latest list under Operation Captura. (Image: NCA)

One interception linked to the investigation was valued at around £1.5 million, according to the National Crime Agency.

The wider appeal forms part of Operation Captura, which has been running for 20 years and has led to numerous arrests of suspects believed to be in Spain.

Officials say that since the campaign began, 11 public appeals have resulted in 98 arrests out of the 111 fugitives identified.

In the past year alone, 56 suspects have been extradited back to the UK from Spain as part of ongoing cooperation between police forces.

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Members of the public are being urged not to approach suspects but to report any information anonymously to Crimestoppers.

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Which countries are boycotting Eurovision 2026?

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Which countries are boycotting Eurovision 2026?
Several of the countries boycotting Eurovision are also refusing to air the contest (Pictures: Getty/ Metro)

Tonight the final of the Eurovision Song Contest will get underway in Vienna, but several countries have been noticeably absent this time around.

Last year, five countries – Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia – announced they were boycotting the event due to Israel’s ongoing inclusion.

Over the past few years, the European Broadcasting Union has faced increasing pressure to disqualify Israel from the contest given the current genocide in Gaza.

Late last year, there was also a vote by EBU members on measures to prevent political interference and fraudulent votes, which followed scrutiny of Israel’s public vote in last year’s contest.

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At the time of announcing their exit from Eurovision, Ireland’s RTÉ said it felt that its ‘participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk’.

This week, it was also revealed that the broadcaster will instead air an old Eurovision-themed episode of Father Ted, while broadcasters of other boycotting countries were also refusing to air the contest. Here’s the latest update on the 2026 Eurovision boycott.

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Which countries are boycotting Eurovision?

SWITZERLAND-MUSIC-TELEVISION-AWARD-EUROVISION
Ireland – who was represented by Emmy last year – was one of the first to announce their plans to withdraw (Picture: Fabrice Coffrini/ AFP via Getty Images)

In December last year the EBU conducted a vote that gave Israel the green light to compete in this year’s Eurovision, which begins in Vienna, Austria, tonight.

However soon after, Ireland, Spain Slovenia and the Netherlands confirmed they would boycott the event on account of Israel’s inclusion.

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As the deadline for participation in the contest counted down, Iceland also confirmed last minute it was also pulling out.

Why are they boycotting?

Dress Rehearsal Semi-Final One - 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026
This year’s contest is taking place in Vienna, Austria (Picture: Christian Bruna/ Getty Images)

Even before the EBU vote, RTÉ announced its plans for a boycott, saying it would not take part ‘if the participation of Israel goes ahead’.

In a statement, the broadcaster said it would be ‘unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza’.

‘It is RTÉ’s position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, if the participation of Israel goes ahead, and the final decision regarding Ireland’s participation will be made once the EBU’s decision is made,’ its statement continued.

‘RTÉ is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages.’

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In May, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had also called on Israel to withdraw, saying it should be held to the same standards over the war in Gaza as Russia has been over the invasion of Ukraine. Within days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, it was banned from Eurovision.

In December Spain – one of the contest’s so-called ‘Big Five’ as it is one of the largest financial contributors to the EBU – announced it was boycotting.

69th Eurovision Song Contest  - Final Rehearsal
Israel was represented by Yuval Raphael in 2025 (Picture: Sebastian Reuter/ Getty Images)

A few months earlier Spanish broadcaster RTVE held a vote in which its board members approved a boycott if Israel was allowed to participate, which happened on the same day as a UN commission of inquiry concluded that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza.

Explaining the decision, RTVE’s president José Pablo López, said the broadcasters who fund the EBU and thus Eurovision ‘shared a collective responsibility’.

‘While Israel has regularly participated in the competition, the current events and the genocide currently taking place make it impossible for us to look the other way,’ he said.

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‘It is not accurate to claim that Eurovision is merely an apolitical music festival. We are all aware that the contest carries significant political implications. The Israeli government is equally aware of this fact and leverages the event on the international stage.’

Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV also issued a statement saying it would boycott ‘on behalf of the 20,000 children and 250 journalists who died in Gaza’.

Eurovision 2026 features a number of artists who got their start in reality TV- SEO Noam
This year Noam Bettan is representing the country (Picture: Eurovision)

‘We are a public broadcaster, and we must uphold high ethical values. We made our decision out of respect for the people of Gaza. History will prove we stood on the right side, we believe that,’ RTV board chair Natalija Gorscak said.

When announcing its plans to boycott in September, Dutch public broadcaster Avrotros said it could no longer justify Israel’s inclusion ‘given the ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza’ and the ‘serious erosion of press freedom’.

‘Human suffering, the suppression of press freedom and political interference are at odds with the values of public broadcasting,’ it added.

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Meanwhile Iceland’s broadcaster RUV said the following when announcing it would also not be participating this year: ‘It is clear from the public debate in this country and the reaction to the EBU’s decision last week that there will be neither joy nor peace regarding RUV’s participation.’

Although these five countries have boycotted Eurovision, Germany previously said it would pull out of the event if Israel was barred, while this year’s host country Austria have also supported its ongoing inclusion.

Meanwhile a BBC spokesperson previously said of the EBU vote: ‘We support the collective decision made by members of the EBU. This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive.’

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What do they plan to show instead?

Every country refusing to air Eurovision 2026 Grand Finale on TV Father Ted picture: Channel 4
Irish broadcaster RTÉ will show a 30-year-old episode of Father Ted instead of the contest (Picture: Channel 4)

Since announcing their boycotts, three countries that have bowed out of Eurovision this year have also confirmed they won’t be broadcasting the contest at all.

On Thursday, instead of showing the Second Semi-Final, RTÉ showed a special episode of the travel show The End of the World with Beanz featuring former Eurovision champion Niamh Kavanagh.

In place of Saturday’s live final, it will also air a 1996 episode of Father Ted centred around the Eurovision Song Contest.

Meanwhile, RTV Slovenia director Ksenija Horvat told The Associated Press: ‘We will not be broadcasting the Eurovision Song Contest. We will be airing the film series Voices of Palestine, featuring Palestinian documentaries and feature films.’

The lettering 'Eurovision Song Contest Vienna 2026' is seen during a light show as part of the official opening of the stage at the Wiener Stadthalle prior to the 70th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), in Vienna, Austria on April 28, 2026. Vienna will host the two semi-finals of the ESC taking place on May 12 and May 14 and the final on May 16, 2026. (Photo by Joe Klamar / AFP via Getty Images)
Spain and Slovenia also won’t air the two Semi- Finals and the Grand Final (Picture: Joe Klamar/ AFP via Getty Images)

Spain’s RTVE will run its own musical special, titled The House of Music.

Despite not taking part, the Netherlands and Iceland will still air Eurovision 2026.

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Aside from the five public broadcasters around Europe boycotting the contest, in recent weeks an open letter that was signed by over 1000 musicians including Kneecap, Massive Attack and Paloma Faith also called for fans to boycott.

Where to watch the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in the UK

The first Semi-Final of Eurovision 2026 will be shown tonight from 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

The second will be shown at the same time on Thursday night.

On Saturday, the Grand Final will run from 8pm until 11.50pm.

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‘As musicians and cultural workers, many living within the reaches of the [EBU], we reject Eurovision being used to whitewash and normalise Israel’s genocide, siege and brutal military occupation against Palestinians,’ the letter, organised by No Music for Genocide and the BDS movement, said.

‘We stand in solidarity with Palestinian calls for public broadcasters, performers, screening party organisers, crew, and fans to boycott Eurovision until the EBU bans complicit Israeli broadcaster KAN.’

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69th Eurovision Song Contest Opening Ceremony - Rehearsal
The 2025 contest in Basel saw several protests and demonstrations against Israel’s participation (Picture: Harold Cunningham/ Getty Images)

Will you be watching Eurovision this year?

  • Yes – I never miss itCheck

  • I usually do – but I’m boycotting this yearCheck

Last year the winner of 2024’s contest, Switzerland’s Nemo, pledged to return the trophy in protest over Israel’s continued participation. This action was followed by Irish artist Charlie McGettigan, who won in 1994.

Following the EBU’s vote in December, Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcome the news of his country’s ongoing participation, posting on social media: ‘Israel deserves to be represented on every stage around the world, a cause to which I am fully and actively committed.’

Meanwhile Eurovision director Martin Green has said in respect to the five boycotting countries: ‘All of us here respect their position and decision. We will continue to work with them as friends and colleagues in the hope they return to the contest soon.’

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Although three countries will be returning to Eurovision in 2026 – Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania – the 35 entrants mark the lowest number since 2004.

The Eurovision final will air at 8pm tonight on BBC One

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Switzerland finally to open secret files on Nazis’ Auschwitz ‘Angel of Death’

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Switzerland finally to open secret files on Nazis' Auschwitz 'Angel of Death'

He is very familiar with Swiss sensitivity, and shame, over its role in World War Two, when Jewish refugees were turned away at the border, while Swiss banks kept the money of Jewish families who later died in Nazi concentration camps. “It is a problem for a democratic state that these files are still closed,” Tanner argues.

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