Iceland’s TV Christmas Ad Should Not Be Banned! Help Save The Orangutans!

The ASA have banned Iceland’s Christmas Ad for being too political! However, the advert is highlighting a massive environmental issue that needs addressing- the production of palm oil is destroying thousands of miles worth of rainforest. Orangutans are now endangered as a result!

The decision was taken by Clearcast, who are a private organisation. They preclear adverts on behalf of broadcasters before they appear on television.

You can find their statement here:

https://www.clearcast.co.uk/blog/clearcasts-md-responds-to-coverage-of-their-decision-not-to-clear-the-iceland-ad/

Broadcast adverts are covered by the UK Code of Broadcast Advertising. The rules on political advertising are the responsibility of Ofcom, and not the UK Government or Parliament.

https://www.asa.org.uk/codes-and-rulings/advertising-codes/broadcast-code.html

You could start a new petition calling for changes to the way advertising is regulated in the UK if that is something you would like to see happen.