BBC under fire for airing Tucker Carlson interview amid antisemitism concerns
US commentator claims Israel influenced UK ban on Palestine Action and US foreign policy
The BBC is facing growing criticism from Jewish communal figures after broadcasting an interview with American commentator Tucker Carlson, in which he made a series of controversial claims about Israel and political influence.
Carlson appeared on a BBC politics programme hosted by Victoria Derbyshire, where he alleged that Israel exerts significant control over Western governments and was responsible for the UK’s decision to proscribe activist group Palestine Action.
Among his remarks, Carlson suggested there was a hidden “mechanism of control” allowing Israel to shape US policy, saying: “All American presidents since 1965 have done substantially what Israel wanted us to do… the problem is the mechanism of control that allows a country of nine million to control a country of 350 million.”
He also claimed: “The US went to war… at the behest and then the demand of Israel,” and alleged that “the Israeli government has a long and well-documented track record of using sex scandal or the appearance of scandal to force American political leaders into doing its bidding.”
Turning to the UK, Carlson said: “It is a crime for which you can be arrested in Britain right now for criticising Israel… So it is not legal in Britain to criticise another country.” When challenged, he insisted Palestine Action had been “banned because the Israeli government wanted it banned.”
The interview prompted swift condemnation from Jewish organisations, who warned that such language reflects longstanding antisemitic tropes about Jewish power and influence.
David Toube, of the Jewish Leadership Council, told the Jewish Chronicle that the BBC has abandoned previous editorial caution when dealing with far-right figures.
“The BBC used to operate a cordon sanitaire of sorts in relation to the far right. It is clear that this has now completely collapsed,” he said.
Media watchdogs HonestReporting accused the corporation of repeatedly giving airtime to individuals promoting antisemitic narratives, while Labour MP Patrick Hurley questioned why Carlson had been invited onto the programme.
A spokesperson for the Board of Deputies of British Jews said: “We are very concerned that the BBC chose to give a platform to Tucker Carlson, who routinely repeats antisemitic tropes, including of excessive political power or control, to voice those positions on the BBC. We will be raising our concerns directly with BBC leadership.”
During the interview, Derbyshire directly challenged Carlson on allegations of antisemitism, telling him: “You have said that you have been called antisemitic because of your opposition to the US joining Israel in fighting this war.”
Carlson rejected the accusation, saying: “Of course I am not an antisemite.. What matters in politics and in life is what you do. I think antisemitism and racism of all kinds… are all immoral.” He added: “You are attempting to call me an antisemite in a passive-aggressive way… The state of Israel does not speak for all Jews.”
However, communal figures said the substance of his comments – particularly references to covert influence and control – remained deeply concerning.
Carlson also repeated claims that individuals in Britain risk arrest for supporting Palestine Action, suggesting free speech on Israel is restricted – a characterisation strongly disputed in the UK.
The controversy follows previous criticism of Carlson, who has hosted far-right activist Nick Fuentes, who described “organised Jewry in America” as a “big challenge” and accused Jewish Americans of “dual loyalty”.
Carlson has also faced backlash in recent weeks for promoting wider conspiratorial claims, including suggesting the war with Iran could lead to the destruction of the Al Aqsa Mosque and the rebuilding of the Jewish temple, with reference to the Chabad movement. Those remarks were amplified online by Candace Owens, who wrote: “Tucker is telling the truth about Chabad.”
Carlson was previously named “Antisemite of the Year” by StopAntisemitism, whose founder, Liora Rez, said his rhetoric was “divisive, hateful, and dangerous”.
A BBC spokesperson said Carlson was invited as an influential voice in US politics, particularly given his evolving stance on the Iran conflict, and insisted he was “robustly challenged” during the interview.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
