Keir Starmer has dismissed Donald Trump’s accusation of the BBC having “corrupt journalists.” Downing Street has voiced support for the BBC, emphasizing its global reputation and refuting claims of institutional bias. Following the resignation of BBC director general Tim Davie and News chief executive Deborah Turness in light of allegations that the BBC manipulated footage of Trump’s speech to suggest his involvement in the Capitol Hill riots, Trump hailed the resignations as an exposure of “corrupt journalists” and threatened legal action against the BBC.

The Prime Minister’s spokesperson affirmed the importance of the BBC in combatting disinformation and stressed the need for the broadcaster to act swiftly to uphold trust and rectify errors promptly. While clarifying that the BBC is not institutionally biased, the spokesperson emphasized the significance of maintaining trust and accountability for public service broadcasters.

Regarding the controversy surrounding a Panorama documentary editing Trump’s speech before the Capitol riot, the White House condemned the BBC for what they labeled as “fake news” and a “propaganda machine.” The edited footage misrepresented Trump’s statements, leading to criticism and calls for accountability within the BBC.

In response to the situation, BBC’s Samir Shah acknowledged the error in editing the speech and issued an apology for the misrepresentation. Deborah Turness defended the BBC’s integrity, stating that the organization is not institutionally biased and emphasizing its status as a trusted news provider.

The developments surrounding the BBC’s handling of the Trump speech editing incident have sparked debates about media integrity and accountability. Subscribe to our daily email briefing for comprehensive insights into UK politics.