By Paul Glynn

Copyright bbc

“We’re very aware of the concerns,” the BBC boss told the committee. “It’s obviously a well-debated topic and difficult.

“At this stage we are supportive of the European Broadcast Union’s work. They are going around discussing with members, working through all the processes by which they would be satisfied to make a decision one way or the other.”

He added that it was “really important… that we try to preserve” the celebratory element of the contest.

“But at this stage, I’m supporting the European Broadcasting Union’s work, and they need to get on with it.”

Earlier this year, more than 70 former Eurovision contestants signed a letter calling on the organisers to ban Israel from the 2025 competition in Basel, which Austrian singer JJ won after a nail-biting finish that saw him topple Israel from pole position at the very last minute.

As a result, next summer’s event will be held in the Austrian capital of Vienna.