Britain's Eurovision Nul Points: MPs Investigate the Selection Mess

Jan de Vries · 2026-09-18

It's a familiar feeling for Eurovision fans in the UK: the votes come in, and somehow Britain ends up with 'nul points' again. It's been happening for over a decade now, and finally, MPs have decided to dig into why. They're investigating how the UK chooses its Eurovision entry, and honestly, it's about time. ### The Nul Points Problem Let's face it: the UK's Eurovision track record since the late 1990s has been, well, less than stellar. Sure, there have been a few bright spots, but more often than not, the UK finds itself at the bottom of the scoreboard. The infamous 'nul points' – zero points – has become a running joke. But it's not just about the score; it's about the selection process that leads to these disappointing results. MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee are now asking: how does the BBC pick the UK's entry? Is the process transparent? Are we sending our best? And why do we keep flopping? ### How the UK Picks Its Eurovision Entry The BBC has tried various methods over the years: - **Internal selection:** A committee or a small group of experts chooses the artist and song. - **National final:** A public show where viewers vote for their favorite from a lineup of contenders. - **Hybrid:** A mix of both, with an internal shortlist and a public vote. Each method has its pros and cons. Internal selection can yield a polished act but may lack public support. National finals generate buzz but can result in a chaotic choice. The UK has dabbled in all three, with mixed results. ### What MPs Hope to Achieve The inquiry isn't just about pointing fingers. MPs want to understand what's going wrong and how to fix it. They'll be speaking to industry experts, former contestants, and BBC executives. The goal? To ensure the UK's Eurovision entry is chosen in a way that gives the country the best chance of success – and maybe, just maybe, brings back some of that Eurovision glory. As one MP put it: "We want to know why we're not winning, and what we can do about it." It's a fair question. After all, Eurovision is about more than just music; it's about national pride and soft power. A strong performance can boost the UK's image abroad and bring in tourism dollars. ### The Stakes for the Music Industry Eurovision isn't just a TV show; it's a massive platform for music. Winning or even placing well can launch careers and boost the music industry. For the UK, a country with a rich musical heritage, consistently poor results are a missed opportunity. The inquiry will also look at whether the BBC is investing enough in the selection process and whether the UK's entry is being promoted effectively. ### What's Next? The committee will publish its findings later this year. Whether or not it leads to changes, one thing is clear: the UK's Eurovision strategy needs a rethink. Maybe then we'll finally stop hearing those dreaded words: 'United Kingdom, nul points.' For now, fans can only hope that the next entry breaks the cycle. And who knows? With a bit of luck and a lot of talent, the UK might just surprise everyone.