Boris Johnson accused the BBC of displaying “cringing embarrassment” about the country’s history and traditions, as the corporation faced widespread condemnation over its handling of The Last Night of the Proms. The prime minister said he could not believe the corporation’s decision to play — but not sing — Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia at this year’s concert. The national broadcaster announced the fudge on Monday night, after the BBC Proms conductor Dalia Stasevska pushed for the traditional songs to be dropped completely because of their associations with slavery and Britain’s colonial past. Trevor Phillips: the BBC panics on raceTim Davie, the BBC’s incoming director-general, personally intervened to ensure the anthems will be performed in some form even though he does not take over until next week, The

Source: The Times August 25, 2020 11:10 UTC