BBC U-turn for Pogues Christmas favourite

THE BBC has been forced to row back on a decision to censor the Christmas classic, the Fairytale of New York, after the decision drew criticism from all over the world.

The politically correct broadcaster made a decision on Monday to bleep out the words “faggot” and “slut” from the Pogues hit.

In the famous barrage of insults Kirsty MacColl, sings “You scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy faggot” while Shane MacGowan refers to her as “an old slut on junk”.

The BBC said the initial decision to censor these words was taken after 20 years of playing the song “because some members of the audience might find it offensive”.

After criticism from the band itself, the mother of Kirsty MacColl, members of the public and even gay rights groups, the BBC announced last night that the song will be played uncut.

BBC Radio 1 Controller Andy Parfitt said the original decision was “wrong”. He said that after “careful consideration” the ban on the uncut version of the song would be lifted.

“It is not always easy to get this right, mindful of our responsibility to our young audience. The unedited version will be played from now on.

“While we would never condone prejudice of any kind, we know our audiences are smart enough to distinguish between maliciousness and creative freedom. In the context of this song, I do not feel that there is any negative intent behind the use of the words, hence the reversal of the decision,” he said.

Earlier yesterday, a spokeswoman for the Pogues criticised the decision to ban the line, saying it would probably amuse the band members.

“This song now goes with Christmas like the Queen’s speech and mince pies, and all of a sudden it’s offensive. It strikes me as very odd and I’m sure the band will be very amused,” she said.

The single was released in 1987 and only managed to make number two in the charts.

It has remained hugely popular since and isexpected to enter in the top 10 in the Christmas charts, thanks to a change in the rules on downloads which means that for the first time charts can include any track from the archives, even if it is no longer in shops.

Its popularity has no doubt been helped by publicity generated yesterday all over the world, including in the Indian and Canadian press.