MPs tune in to Britain’s Eurovision ‘nul points’ problem

Britain’s Eurovision selection process is to come under parliamentary scrutiny after years of disappointing finishes, with Sam Ryder’s second place in 2022 a rare recent success

MPs are to investigate how the UK chooses its Eurovision Song Contest entry amid a dismal run of results stretching back more than a decade.

The House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee this week confirmed that Britain’s selection process will be examined as part of its State of Play inquiry.

The announcement comes just months after the UK finished last at this year’s contest.

Look Mum No Computer’s Eins, Zwei, Drei collected a single jury point and nothing from the public vote, leaving Britain 25th out of 25 finalists.

Eurovision is one of five things they will look at after MPs received more than 150 suggestions from the public and other proposals raised with the committee.

Other hearings will look at the structure of the football academy system, the role and funding of arts centres, the protection of journalists in conflict zones and inclusion in football management.

Dame Caroline Dinenage, the chair of the committee, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who came forward with their proposals.

“The response truly demonstrates the passion that we have across the sector to make a real difference on matters that don’t always make the headlines.

“Our next set of sessions cover a real mix of topics, from defending press freedoms and promoting fairness in football to ensuring the health of our country’s culture and music.

“Our inquiry has a successful track record when it comes to shifting the dial. We look forward to shining a light on these issues and to continuing to make a difference to the things that people care about.”

The UK has won Eurovision five times, most recently with Katrina and the Waves’ Love Shine a Light in 1997.

But since 2012, it has finished 17th or lower in 12 of the 14 Eurovision finals held, with only Lucie Jones, who came 15th in 2017, and Sam Ryder, who finished second in 2022, breaking the pattern.

Remember Monday came 19th in 2025, Olly Alexander finished 18th in 2024 and Mae Muller was 25th in 2023. James Newman received no points and finished last with Embers in 2021, while Michael Rice also came last in 2019 with just 11 points.

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_{Main image: Look Mum No Computer performs Eins, Zwei, Drei for the UK during the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final in Vienna on May 15, 2026. Image: © EBU / Corinne Cumming}