Protesters occupy BBC over Gaza appeal

HUNDREDS of people are sending their television licences to the BBC today in protest over its refusal to air an emergency appeal for Gaza.

Stop the War Coalition has been inundated with emails from licence payers who are making a stand against the corporation's decision by demanding refunds for paying the licence fee.

The move follows a string of demonstrations nationwide, including a sit-in at Broadcasting House by anti-war protesters.

Around 15 students, members of the School of Oriental and African Studies' branch of Stop the War Coalition, occupied the reception area of the BBC building in White City and demanded to speak to a senior member of the corporation.

They were part of a crowd of protesters outside the building waving a banner reading "Hands off Gaza", decorated with blood-red handprints. They chanted: "BBC - shame on you."

A number of them set fire to their television licences while a line of police officers guarded the entrance to the building.

ITV, Channel 4 and Five all showed the televised appeal, made by the Disasters Emergency Committee, last night.

Chris Nineham, a Stop the War Coalition officer, was among those who burnt their licences. He said: "We're hoping the BBC are going to change their decision."

The protests came as more than 100 MPs signed an early day motion criticising the BBC and Sky News for refusing to show the appeal.