British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday that a strong and independent BBC was essential in an age of disinformation, but said the public broadcaster must “sort its ranks” after US President Donald Trump threatened to sue.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has found itself in its deepest crisis in decades, after the resignations of its director-general and head of news programming. Their departure follows growing criticism of the BBC’s standards and accusations of bias, including the way one of Trump’s statements was edited.
During the parliamentary session, Starmer was asked whether he would ask the US president to withdraw his threat of a billion-dollar lawsuit against the BBC, which is funded by a tax paid by British households.
– I want to be clear – I believe in a strong and independent BBC – said Starmer.
– Some would prefer the BBC not to exist at all. Some of them are sitting right there – he added, pointing to the representatives of the opposition.
– I am not among them. In an age of disinformation, the need for an impartial British news service is greater than ever. When mistakes are made, the BBC must clean up its ranks, hold itself to the highest standards, be accountable and quickly correct the mistakes. But I will always defend a strong and independent BBC – said Starmer.
(Vijesti.ba)
