UK’s Eurovision entry contains anti-Brexit subliminal messaging, claims pro-Brexit newspaper

The BBC supplied the audience with Union Flags at this year's 'Eurovision: You Decide'. Photograph: BBC. - Credit: Archant

A pro-Brexit newspaper has suggested that this year’s Eurovision entry from the United Kingdom features anti-Brexit subliminal messaging.

The song, which is to be sung by Michael Rice, was chosen by the public earlier this year up over tracks called “Sweet Lies” and “Freaks”.

But with a title of “Bigger Than Us” there are some conspiracy theories that this is an anti-Brexit message, because it also features lyrics like “I won’t give up and I won’t let go”.

It led to the Daily Express running with the headline: “Eurovision 2019 SHOCK: Is UK entry a Remainer anthem with Brexit ‘SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE’?”

Some on social media appeared to be in agreement ahead of this weekend’s final in Tel Aviv.

Anil said: “It’s bigger than us, it’s bigger than you and me. He taking about Brexit? #EurovisionYouDecide”

MZ Lonon said: “My theory is that it IS an anti-Brexit song… the EU is bigger than us, bigger than you and me… I won’t let go, it’s gonna be our only hope… Am I wrong?”

TK Tennakoon tweeted: “I interpret ‘Bigger Than Us’ as an anthem for unity and community – the notion that when we all come together, the synergy makes us unstoppable. It’s a wonderful sentiment to sing about parallel to what’s going on with #Brexit.”

Joa Bothe wrote: “Great Britain sends a song called “Bigger Than Us” to the #esc in the year of #brexit??? I love their sense of humour. I suppose they won’t get too many points.”

Others who were pro-Brexit claimed it was more about the UK’s future.

James Moncrieff said: “I’m glad to see our Eurovision entry is acknowledging the reality of Europe after Brexit … “It’s bigger than us!”

The bookmakers have given the song a 150/1 chance to win the competition, meaning the UK could be fighting to avoid coming last.

It has prompted calls from music manager Louis Walsh – in collaboration with Paddy Power – to urge the Irish to support the UK in a “union against Brexit”.

In the cheeky video, Walsh says: “I’m here to tell you something that might shock you. I’m coming out . . . in support of the UK at Eurovision.

“Paddy Power and I are asking all Europeans to form a union against Brexit by joining in our EU revision and asking for the UK to win.

“After all if they do, next year they will be forced to host thousands of people they love so much, which means pubs packed with Poles, streets choc full of fancy Italians, and Nigel (Farage). Did I mention Turkey is in the contest?

“What do you say Europe? Are you with us? Now that’s what I call a real Brexit Party. So if you want to get back at them wanting to leave, vote for them to win because a victory for the UK is a triumph for all of Europe.”