Bag searches to deter Proms protesters

Prom-goers will have their bags searched at the Royal Albert Hall as part of a security crackdown to weed out political protesters.

Pro-Palestine campaigners who will gather outside the venue tonight have called for a boycott of a performance by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign has urged concert-goers to "rip up their tickets" and turn their backs on Israel's most celebrated orchestra because of its relationship with the Israeli army.

The Albert Hall concert will be conducted by Zubin Mehta, who turns 75 this year and is celebrating 50 years with the orchestra, which last played the Proms in 2003.

A spokesman for the BBC said: "The invitation to the orchestra is a purely musical one, giving the audience the opportunity to hear this fine orchestra during this year's Proms. We are aware of the protests.

"We will be having extra security as protesters could get into the hall but there will be bag searches of the audience which they will be alerted to. Most people want to hear a concert so it's business as usual."

Palestine campaign director Sarah Colborne said: "The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra's services to the Israeli army continue up to the present day, performing for Israeli soldiers at army outposts. We are calling on all those who support peace and human rights not to attend."