Starmer Warns BBC To ‘Get House In Order’ After Trump Row

Starmer Warns BBC To ‘Get House In Order’ After Trump Row

 

 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned the BBC to “get their house in order” following a string of editorial blunders, including a Panorama edit of Donald Trump’s speech that has triggered a $1 billion lawsuit threat from the former US president.

 

Speaking in Parliament after the resignations of BBC Director-General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness, Starmer said mistakes must be corrected swiftly — but stressed his backing for “a strong, independent BBC.”

 

The PM’s comments came after Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused Trump of trying to “destroy our BBC” and called for the removal of BBC board member Sir Robbie Gibb, whom he branded a “Conservative crony.” Starmer refused to intervene, saying he would not comment on “individual runnings of the BBC.”

 

BBC Chairman Samir Shah has apologised for the “error of judgment” in editing together separate sections of Trump’s 6 January 2021 speech, which gave the impression of a “direct call for violent action.” The broadcaster admits “mistakes” were made, but Trump insists he has an “obligation” to sue for “defrauding viewers.”

 

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said work on the BBC’s next royal charter — due in 2027 — would begin soon, promising the corporation would remain “fiercely independent” but “genuinely accountable.”

 

Meanwhile, Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston called for a “root-and-branch review” of BBC impartiality and “a fulsome apology” to the US president. The BBC is reviewing Trump’s legal letter demanding an apology, retraction, and compensation.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Starmer says BBC must fix its mistakes but defends its independence.

• Trump threatens $1 billion lawsuit over edited Panorama footage.

• Culture Secretary pledges reforms to ensure future accountability.

 

Source: BBC News