PM Keir Starmer says BBC must ‘put house in order’ over mistakes | UK News

The prime minister has said the must “get their house in order” when mistakes are made, but gave his support to the existence of “a strong and independent “.

Sir Keir Starmer was speaking after the broadcaster’s director general and head of news resigned following criticism of an edit of a speech by Donald Trump and other editorial issues.

The prime minster did not directly respond to a question urging him to ensure the US president does not get “a single penny from British licence fee payers” after Trump’s threat to sue the for $1bn (£762m).

Sir Keir told the House of Commons: “Where mistakes are made, they do need to get their house in order, and the must uphold the highest standards, be accountable and correct errors quickly. But I will always stand up for a strong, independent .”

He was responding to a question from Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who told Parliament that “President Trump is trying to destroy our ” and undermine press freedom in the UK as well as the US.

Sir Keir acknowledged that “some [people] would rather the did not exist”, but that “in an age of disinformation, the argument for impartial British news service is stronger than ever”.

director general Tim Davie and CEO of news Deborah Turness announced their resignations on Sunday and have admitted “mistakes”.

chairman Samir Shah has also apologised for the “error of judgement” that saw Panorama edit together two sections of Trump’s speech on the day of the 6 January 2021 Capitol riots, giving the impression of a “direct call for violent action”.

In the Commons on Wednesday, Sir Ed also called for the prime minister to sack board member Sir Robbie Gibb, a former executive and Downing Street head of communications, who he branded a “Conservative crony”.

In response, Sir Keir declined to comment on the “the individual runnings of the “.

In a separate debate on the ‘s leadership in the Commons on Tuesday, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the process of setting out the corporation’s next royal charter – which sets out the terms of its existence and due to expire in 2027 – would begin imminently.

“Together, we will ensure the 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 said.

“In an era in which trust is fraying and truth is contested across our nation, it will ensure the remains fiercely independent and is genuinely accountable to the public it serves.”

In response to an MP who asked her to “review the influence of former Conservative spin doctor Robbie Gibb on the ‘s board”, Nandy replied that the ‘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 say the chairman had told her that he will make changes to the ‘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 US president.

The is considering how to respond to Trump after he set a deadline of Friday to receive an apology, a retraction and compensation for the Panorama edit.

On Tuesday, the president told Fox News he had an “obligation” to sue the after it “butchered” his speech and “defrauded” viewers.

A spokesperson for the said: “We are reviewing the letter and will respond directly in due course.”