Sir Keir Starmer did not address the ongoing legal dispute involving Donald Trump and the BBC during their recent phone call. The conversation, which lasted 30 minutes, primarily covered topics related to Ukraine. Sources acknowledged that Trump’s controversial plans for Ukraine took precedence over the BBC matter.
Background of the BBC Controversy
Starmer faced pressure to discuss the fallout from the BBC’s retrospective on Trump’s January 6 speech. This retrospective, featured in a Panorama program, has come under scrutiny for its editing choices. The BBC issued an apology for what it termed an “error of judgment” related to these edits.
Trump has announced his intention to sue the BBC for $1 billion, escalating the situation. Meanwhile, key figures from the BBC, including chair Samir Shah, are set to testify before a parliamentary committee soon.
Upcoming Parliamentary Testimonies
- Samir Shah, BBC Chair
- Sir Robbie Gibb, BBC Board Member
- Michael Prescott, Former Editorial Adviser
This session will scrutinize the BBC’s editorial standards and investigate claims of selective editing related to the coverage of Trump’s speech. The committee had previously reached out to the BBC regarding the steps they are taking following the publication of the concerning report.
Resignations and Accountability
Following criticism, BBC director-general Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness resigned. Shah acknowledged the editing mishap and its implications, indicating that it suggested a direct call for violence. The fallout has prompted calls for accountability and changes within the BBC’s leadership.
Calls for Resignations
Critics, including Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, have demanded the resignation of Sir Robbie Gibb, deeming his position “untenable.” The union Bectu has echoed these sentiments, alleging that Gibb is part of a broader campaign to undermine the BBC’s impartiality.
Additional Testimonies and Departures
The parliamentary committee is also scheduled to hear from former BBC editorial standards adviser Caroline Daniel and non-executive director Caroline Thomson. Recently, BBC board member Shumeet Banerji announced his departure, adding to the recent leadership shake-up.
