GB News' Dougie Beattie has waded into a row over a controversial display of migrant effigies on a loyalist bonfire in Northern Ireland, arguing that calls for its removal represent a double standard in how "freedom of speech" is applied.
Speaking to the People's Channel, Dougie said he didn't believe the display would be removed and challenged critics by pointing to what he described as "selective outrage."
"If they put this on top of it, they're claiming it's art. They're claiming it's trying to get their message out," Dougie said, before drawing comparisons to other controversial displays.
He specifically referenced the BBC's coverage at Glastonbury, asking why there wasn't a similar uproar over that content.
Dougie Beattie hits back at outrage over migrants effigy
GB NEWS
The correspondent said: "I don’t care what side of the population you come from. The minute the media does not come out and condemn, the minute the police do not move in on one side or the other, as a journalist, I have to report what I see and what I hear and their argument.
"I can’t argue with their argument because what they’re saying is wrong, the effigy is wrong, it shouldn’t be there, but what they’re saying is completely correct. Why would they be picked upon and others wouldn’t?
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"And that’s where the argument stops. And that’s where political voices, by not coming together, and by the media not reporting at the same levels, have brought us to the state we’re in.
"I mean, I sat and thought about the number of times I’ve been in London, Michel, and seen Palestinian flags. Some of them even had pictures of Nigel Farage on them.
"I mean, where do we go with this? This is freedom of speech, and of course, the right to express yourself. And if you’re not going to put that across the whole community, then this is exactly what’s going to happen."
The display at the Moygashel bonfire on the outskirts of Dungannon in County Tyrone features more than 12 life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets placed in a boat atop the pyre.
Placards beneath the boat bear messages including "stop the boats" and "veterans before refugees".
The bonfire is one of approximately 300 set to be lit across Northern Ireland on the nights of July 10 and 11, ahead of Protestant loyal order parades on July 12.
Moygashel has gained notoriety in recent years for controversial displays, with last year's bonfire featuring a mock police car and 2023's including a boar representing the post-Brexit Irish Sea economic border.
Prominent loyalist activist Jamie Bryson defended the display on X, calling it "artistic protest" and stating that "their yearly art has itself become a tradition".
Placards beneath the boat bear messages including 'stop the boats' and 'veterans before refugees'
PA
Political leaders have strongly condemned the display, with Sinn Fein Assembly member Colm Gildernew calling it "absolutely disgusting" and "fuelled by sickening racist and far-right attitudes".
"This is a clear incitement to hatred and must be removed immediately," Gildernew said, adding that migrants "are our friends, our neighbours, and are welcomed, cherished and valued by the vast majority of people here".
SDLP leader Claire Hanna also criticised the bonfire, posting on X: "Intricate effigies of human beings, for burning. Who is this for?"
She suggested some involved in the bonfire tradition were motivated by "hate, confrontation and media rows".
The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed they were "aware of an item placed on a bonfire at the Moygashel area" and that "inquiries are continuing".
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