Britannia rules the airwaves once more

THE BBC’s decision to ban the singing of Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory at the Proms was such a massively unpopular capitulation to muddle-headed ‘wokeness’ that it sparked a furious national debate on the corporation’s entire future.

It also revealed an ignorance of the spirit behind those rousing patriotic songs that simply beggars belief in our national broadcaster.

The words were banned because of a stupid misconception that they somehow glorify slavery. Nothing could be further from the truth. They ring out a message of freedom, love of country and defiance of tyranny.

People are surely inspired by such fine sentiments rather than offended – whatever their colour or creed. Thankfully, following a petition organised by the Mail and a poll showing overwhelming public resentment, the veto was lifted yesterday.

It’s no coincidence that this rare outbreak of BBC common sense occurred on just the second day in office of new director-general Tim Davie. He has pledged to make the corporation more responsive to its audience, root out political prejudice and slash management bureaucracy.

But despite his excellent start, he should be under no illusion about the scale of the task ahead.

Left-wing bias and an obsession with political correctness are so ingrained in BBC culture that real change will require formidable resolve. It will be resisted every step of the way.

But this is a mission Mr Davie dare not fail. The licence fee is an anachronism in the multi-media age and there is a growing groundswell for its abolition.

If it’s to survive in any form, the BBC must reconnect with the values of its wider audience – and stop droning endlessly on into a metropolitan echo chamber.