The Prime Minister has stated the BBC must “get their house in order” following recent errors, while affirming his support for “a strong and independent BBC.”
The remarks from Sir Keir Starmer follow the resignations of the broadcaster’s Director-General and Head of News in the wake of criticism surrounding the editing of a speech by Donald Trump and other editorial concerns.
The Prime Minister refrained from directly addressing a question urging him to prevent U.S. President Trump from receiving “a single penny from British license fee payers” after Trump threatened to sue the BBC for $1 billion (£762 million).
Speaking in the House of Commons, Sir Keir asserted, “Where mistakes are made, they do need to get their house in order, and the BBC must uphold the highest standards, be accountable, and correct errors quickly. But I will always stand up for a strong, independent BBC.”
He was responding to a question from Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who told Parliament that “President Trump is trying to destroy our BBC” and undermine press freedom in the UK and the US.
Sir Keir acknowledged that “some [people] would rather the BBC did not exist,” but that “in an age of disinformation, the argument for impartial British news service is stronger than ever.”
BBC Director-General Tim Davie and CEO of News Deborah Turness announced their resignations on Sunday, admitting “mistakes” had been made.
BBC Chairman Samir Shah has also apologized for the “error of judgment” that led to Panorama editing together two sections of Trump’s speech on the day of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, creating the impression of a “direct call for violent action.”
In the Commons on Wednesday, Sir Ed also called on the Prime Minister to dismiss BBC board member Sir Robbie Gibb, a former BBC executive and Downing Street head of communications, whom he labeled a “Conservative crony.”
Sir Keir declined to comment on the “the individual runnings of the BBC” in response.
During a separate debate on the BBC’s leadership in the Commons on Tuesday, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that the process of establishing the corporation’s next royal charter – which defines the terms of its existence and is set to expire in 2027 – would begin imminently.
“Together, we will ensure the BBC is sustainably funded, commands the public’s trust, and continues to drive growth, good jobs, skills, and creativity across every region and nation of the UK,” she stated.
“In an era in which trust is fraying and truth is contested across our nation, it will ensure the BBC remains fiercely independent and is genuinely accountable to the public it serves.”
Responding to an MP who asked her to “review the influence of former Conservative spin doctor Robbie Gibb on the BBC’s board,” Nandy replied that the BBC’s charter “sets a strict legal threshold that must be met before dismissal of a board member, so I am unable to pursue the course of action that she suggests.”
Nandy did state that the BBC Chairman had informed her that he will implement changes to the BBC’s editorial guidance and standards committee, on which Sir Robbie sits.
“I understand that changes to that committee are planned, and I very much welcome that decision,” she said.
Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston called for a “root-and-branch review” of the corporation’s adherence to impartiality, and for “a fulsome apology” to be given to the U.S. President.
The BBC is considering its response to Trump after he set a Friday deadline for receiving an apology, a retraction, and compensation for the Panorama edit.
On Tuesday, the President told Fox News he had an “obligation” to sue the BBC after it “butchered” his speech and “defrauded” viewers.
A BBC spokesperson stated, “We are reviewing the letter and will respond directly in due course.”
The controversy emerged after an internal memo from a former independent external advisor to the broadcaster’s editorial standards committee, Michael Prescott, was published by the Telegraph newspaper.
Mr. Prescott’s memo alleged that BBC bosses had previously “refused to accept there had been a breach of standards and doubled down on its defence of Panorama.”
It quoted BBC News Deputy CEO Jonathan Munro as saying in May that there was “no attempt to mislead the audience about the content or nature of Mr. Trump’s speech” and that it was “normal practice to edit speeches into short form clips.”
On Tuesday, when asked why he tried to defend the episode of Panorama, Mr. Munro replied: “I didn’t.”
The Culture Secretary also suggests appointing senior BBC leaders who have a “journalistic background”.
Sarah Taylor says there is “no vision for the Labour Party that’s being really explained”.
The BBC has come under fire after criticism that a Panorama documentary misleadingly edited a speech by Donald Trump.
The 1973 film Take Me High will be toasted with a screening and new artworks created.
The clip aired on Newsnight in 2022, two years before the Panorama that led to the director-general’s resignation.