Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has voiced support for a “strong, independent BBC” but declined to urge US President Donald Trump to abandon his threat of a $1bn (£800m) lawsuit against the broadcaster. The controversy stems from a BBC Panorama episode that used an edited clip of Mr Trump’s speech on January 6, 2021, which he claims made him appear “more radical”.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused Mr Trump of “trying to destroy our BBC, not because he cares about the truth, but because he doesn’t want to get away with his lies”. He pressed Mr Starmer to demand the US president drop his legal threat. However, the PM declined to do so, instead stressing his commitment to the BBC’s independence and noting that the previous Conservative government had also “undermined” the corporation.
Mr Starmer agreed with Sir Ed that the Tories had weakened the BBC, citing the appointment of “cronies” to its board, including former Conservative spin doctor Robbie Gibb. But when asked directly whether Mr Gibb should be removed, the PM said he would not comment on the BBC’s “internal workings”.
Mr Trump has given the BBC until Friday to settle his demand or face litigation. The US president has a history of suing media outlets; earlier this year he filed a $15bn lawsuit against The New York Times, which a judge dismissed as “vituperation and invective”, though he later refiled it. BBC Chair Samir Shah acknowledged Mr Trump is a “litigious fellow” and said the corporation is “prepared for all outcomes”.
Separately, the Reform UK party has withdrawn from participation in a BBC documentary, citing a loss of trust in the broadcaster. The BBC has yet to issue a formal response to Mr Trump’s threat.
