Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Politics

London Mayor urged to ban Russian news ads

Conservative politician becomes the latest figure to question controversial RT posters on the London Underground

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been urged to pull all advertising by the Russian state news network Russia Today (RT) from the London Underground.

The network broadcasts an English language channel and recently paid for a series of contentious poster adverts on the tube.

The cheeky ads refer to suspicion of Russian election interference and anti-Russian sentiment more generally.

One reads: “Watch RT and find out who are planning to hack.”

Another says: “Missed the train / Stuck in traffic? Lost a vote? Blame it on us.”

Last month Twitter banned RT and Sputnik accounts from advertising on its platform, citing the US intelligence agencies’ conclusion the media outlets were part of a Kremlin operation to disrupt last year’s US election.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

We must not allow our values of free press blind us to a Russian state sponsored propaganda arm

London Assembly Member Gareth Bacon said wanted the Russian “propaganda” removed from the British capital.

“I am asking the Mayor to immediately move to block this company from advertising further on the Transport for London estate,” said the Conservative politician.

“We must not allow our values of free press blind us to what in this particular case is clearly a Russian state sponsored propaganda arm.”

“These adverts breach TfL advertising rules and are highly political in nature, emanating from a foreign power that is often hostile to the UK and its allies.”

The Labour MP Tom Watson, shadow culture secretary, has previously asked media regulator Ofcom to look into the RT ads. The Advertising Standards Agency said they had also received a complaint about RT.

A Transport for London spokeswoman said last month that the RT posters “comply with our advertising policy.”

Introducing RORA Jobs and Training

Whether you’re in work, currently unemployed, or worried about your future job security, Big Issue RORA Jobs & Training is here to help. Search our latest jobs, register for alerts, browse training courses and find your next role today.  

Find out more
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

READER-SUPPORTED SINCE 1991

Reader-supported journalism that doesn’t just report problems, it helps solve them.

Recommended for you

View all
Labour deputy hopeful Lucy Powell on benefit cuts, landlords and Farage: 'There's no quick fix'
Lucy Powell in House of Commons
Politics

Labour deputy hopeful Lucy Powell on benefit cuts, landlords and Farage: 'There's no quick fix'

From broken railways to packed prisons: Margaret Thatcher's legacy continues to cast its long shadow
Politics

From broken railways to packed prisons: Margaret Thatcher's legacy continues to cast its long shadow

What does Keir Starmer's personality type tell us about him?
Prime minister Keir Starmer on the phone
Psychology

What does Keir Starmer's personality type tell us about him?

There's no trust left in the world. How can we get it back?
Trust

There's no trust left in the world. How can we get it back?

Reader-supported journalism that doesn’t just report problems, it helps solve them.

Every day, Big Issue digs deeper – speaking up for those society overlooks. Will you help us keep doing this work?