Let there be no doubt: The United Kingdom will still participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, even if the UK votes in favour of Brexit, which would see the country quit the EU.
Speaking to the House of Commons about the imminent EU referendum on Thursday, British Prime Minister David Cameron made it clear that the Land of Engelbert will remain in the contest regardless of the outcome.
Asked about the most ridiculous arguments against leaving the Brussels-based union, he cited the theory that the UK could not participate in Eurovision.
‘I think probably the one that we’d get out of the Eurovision Song Contest – I think that would not only be very sad but I think given that Israel and Azerbaijan and anyone anywhere near Europe seems to be able to – [even] Australia – I think we’re pretty safe from that one.’
His comments are beyond obvious to most Eurovision fans, who understand that participation hinges on membership to the European Broadcasting Union — not the European Union.
But the fact the issue was raised has already led to coverage in the Independent and the Daily Mail, among other publications.
Back in June a social media storm erupted over whether Brexit would impact participation.
At that time, OGAE UK fan club president Alasdair Rendall explained, in very simple terms, that there is nothing to worry about.
“No, we would not be barred. All participating countries must be a member of the European Broadcasting Union.”
‘The EBU — which is totally independent of the EU — includes countries both inside and outside of the EU, and also includes countries such as Israel that are outside of Europe.”
“Indeed the UK started participating in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1957, 16 years before joining the then EEC.”
Having a prime minister assuring its people that the referendum is not about the Eurovision but the EU is kinda sweet 😉
The problem with the EU is that there’s been little long term vision or consensus on what is should become. I think all over Europe, we should have a decent discussion about it. Wir schaffen dass, with or without the UK!
EU was made without UK. UK joined and is in but as some sort of “black sheep”, not really involved – not in Euro, not in Schengen, without a big say in shaping EU policies.
Don’t think that Brexit will much affect EU, nor the UK in my opinion. Maybe Scotland will declare independence, but more using Brexit as a pretext, the important reasons being if UK kept its promises made to Scotland shortly ahead their failed vote for independence.
You can see video of David Cameron’s remarks in the House Of Commons here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU-RYsw8EfE
Come on BBC, drop out of the Big Five already! You pay a lot of money to keep the contest alive but get bad treatment & called out as cheaters by the Turkish. Better to save money on a song selection show & staging props..
And you people think that when the UK gets out of Europe, and/or the EU collapses, your countries will get rich (because there will no more euro) and everyone will be happy outside the EU. I regret to inform you that the crisis will become worst, everyone will get hungry and a war will outburst for sure. Apparently most of you don’t have a clue what is happening with the refugees right now. The only reason we are not at war (literally a war) with each other is because of the EU, whether we like the EU or not. This… Read more »
Yes Uk out of EU and is in eurovision.
Was this really a very needed question to ask the prime minister of all people
Really obvious, I already knew that the EU membership has nothing to do with Eurovision participation. However, can somebody tell me what does Ani Lorak have to do with this article? Does it mean that Ukraine is not in the EU, but they do take part in Eurovision?
Eurovision was never about politics anyway. Sure, neighbour voting is political and such, but in the end, this was a contest created to bring peace to Europe, and not to shame about politics.
Who ever did Ani Lorak’s spray tan should be fired
And Francesca’s song really fits this situation, there’s no degree in separation lol
Please do a brexit UK! U got my support from the netherlands<3
“Especially with the illegal mass immigration crisis that emerged the last two years”
You mean the refugee crisis?
Refugees are not immigrants, and there is nothing illegal about them.
I have deep respect for british politics and I think my country (Spain) should take it as a model more often. Having said that, if this issue ever comes to our parlament, it would be a laughing stock for months.
La participación de Reino unido , no tendra impacto…no se puede decir lo mismo, de los comentaristas de la BBC ,en dicho Festival.
*SIGH* This lazy excuse at journalism was always going to happen
SOMEONE MAKE AN ARTICLE of Barei saying how TERRIBLY Hovi was treated at the Moscow pre party event airport and her saying she DOESN’T want Russia to win and she doesn’t like the song. The link is going around on twitter if you would like to see for yourself. 🙂
Well yes, Scotland would likely have independence in short order if the UK left the EU. It doesn’t yet have an independent broadcaster though (technically-speaking), so couldn’t take part in the ESC on its own.
I still think the UK is best off changing broadcasters. The BBC has been awful to ESC lately. Yes it’s getting better slowly, but I for one have run out of patience.
it’s already more than proven that EU was a huge mistake, i hope UK just leave this sinking ship already and i hope more countries do that in the future, EU doesn’t serve the citizens, it serves the bankers, politicians and all that mafia, with the UK out, the EU will surely die in a very quick pace.
Was Tooji singing about this subject.
“I want you to stay”
In that case I don’t agree with him, but like the song.
After brexit Great Britain will collapse. Scotland aims for independence. Congratulation GB. Egoism is diabolical
Europe can’t die…
@Angelo, it’s in two months time, and I’m hopeful the U.K will come to its senses and choose to stay.
I’ve seen some very stupid people commenting online about how leaving the EU would mean leaving Eurovision…where do they get this idea that EU membership is a requisite for ESC participation :S
What’s with Ani Lorak being in this article’s picture?
Steven, there are economical crises in some of the EU countries, and then all the other countries will be affected, when the ship has sunk, I think all the EU countries will withdraw from Eurovision, if we don’t leave the ship.
I heard some news yesterday that if UK votes for Brexit, there is a chance Sweden also leaves the EU. This election will affect a lot in the EU.
Start spreading the news
We’re leaving in June
We’re not gonna be a part of it
EU, EU
Hate the EU, love Eurovision? What’s wrong with you people??? Get yourself together!!!
I also love Europe but hate the EU the EU is a sinking ship
I honestly think EU is a sinking ship, with the economical crises, but EU does not affect ESC, I like ESC, unless it gets too political.
Greetings from Sweden
Love Europe, hate the EU, brexit2016/joe&jake2016
Water is wet