Eurovision 2023: Rishi Sunak ‘disappointed’ at decision to ban Volodymyr Zelenskyy from making address | Politics News

Rishi Sunak has criticised the choice by Eurovision bosses to dam Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from addressing the occasion.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the competition, mentioned it declined Mr Zelenskyy‘s request to handle the viewers on Saturday so as to keep away from politicising it.

Mr Sunak’s official spokesman mentioned the prime minister was “disillusioned” by the transfer – although he instructed there are not any plans to ask the EBU to vary its thoughts.

He informed reporters: “The prime minister believes it might be becoming for President Zelenskyy to handle the occasion and we’re disillusioned by the choice from the European broadcasting union.

“The values and freedoms that President Zelenskyy and the folks of Ukraine are combating for aren’t political, they’re elementary, and Eurovision themselves recognised that final yr once they rightly suspended Russia’s participation from the competitors.”

Liverpool is internet hosting this year’s event on behalf of Ukraine, which gained final yr, as a result of the war-torn nation is unable to take action.

Mr Zelenskyy had needed to make an unannounced video look and had been anticipated to implore the worldwide viewers of tens of millions to proceed backing his nation in its combat to repel Russian invaders.

The EBU mentioned the Ukrainian president had “laudable intentions” but “regrettably” his request was against the rules.

“The Eurovision Tune Contest is a global leisure present and ruled by strict guidelines and rules which have been established since its creation,” it mentioned.

“As a part of these, one of many cornerstones of the competition is the non-political nature of the occasion.

“This precept prohibits the potential of making political or comparable statements as a part of the competition.”

The EBU additionally famous that 11 Ukrainian artists, together with final yr’s winners Kalush Orchestra, are set to carry out, whereas 37 areas from round Ukraine may also be proven.

Nonetheless, its resolution has confronted mounting backlash from politicians.

Labour chief Sir Keir Starmer mentioned it was “very important that all of us proceed to maintain the plight of the Ukrainian folks entrance of thoughts as they stand as much as Russian aggression on behalf of us all”.

“Eurovision is an expression of unity and freedom, and President Zelensky ought to be capable of handle it as an awesome defender of each,” he mentioned.

Former prime minister Boris Johnson mentioned on Twitter that “it might have been proper to listen to from President Zelenskyy” including: “There is just one cause the competition just isn’t in Ukraine and that’s due to Putin’s unlawful conflict.”

Conservative MP Damian Inexperienced, who’s performing chairman of the cross-party tradition choose committee, additionally known as it “incorrect to disclaim President Zelenskyy an opportunity to talk”.

“The viewers made their emotions identified final yr by voting for Ukraine and the remainder of Europe ought to respect that,” he tweeted.

The row comes after the complete line-up of the grand last was revealed following the second knockout spherical on Thursday night time.

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After 16 international locations competed, the ten remaining spots went to Poland, Australia, Cyprus, Albania, Estonia, Belgium, Austria, Lithuania, Armenia and Slovenia.

The ten international locations that certified from Tuesday’s semi-final have been Croatia, Moldova, Switzerland, Finland, Czechia, Israel, Portugal, Sweden, Serbia and Norway.

They are going to be part of the so-called “massive 5” nations – the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain – who every get a free cross due to their monetary contributions to the occasion, together with final yr’s winners Ukraine.

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The Eurovision grand last on Saturday will air dwell on BBC One.

Earlier this week, Mr Zelenskyy mentioned he would have most well-liked it to happen in a neighbouring nation.

Chatting with the BBC, he mentioned: “I’ve nice respect for the UK and its society. It’s an incredible nation.

“From the very begin my opinion has been that if we won’t host Eurovision it ought to happen in one of many international locations that share a border with us, equivalent to Slovakia, Poland or every other nation which our folks can attain simply. One thing close by.”