The Last Night of the Proms is at risk of being dragged into a deeper, more toxic debate this year due to a new edict from the BBC forbidding flags 'from proscribed groups, flags related to protest, hatred, or advertising'. The organisers are concerned about the Proms being dragged into the irreconcilable and aggressive debate about the war in Gaza. The controversy surrounding the Last Night of the Proms usually revolves around its patriotic nature and the choice of songs. 'Progressive' voices argue for a more non-confrontational approach, while traditionalists defend the event's British identity. The issue of flags is also contentious, with the profusion of Union flags seen as embarrassing and sinister by some, while others argue that the distribution of subsidised EU flags is an attempt to fight the Brexit referendum result.