Ofcom, the UK media regulator, has received complaints about a GB News segment that linked defendants with 'foreign-sounding names' to sex offences. The segment, aired on 17 March, was presented by Martin Daubney, who cited unscientific research counting 'non-British-sounding surnames' in nine crown courts over six weeks.
The research, compiled by solicitor Marcus Johnstone, claimed that the average proportion of 'non-British' sounding defendants was 51% in Birmingham, 55% in Bradford, and 56% in Snaresbrook crown court. For sex offences, it found 41% in Bradford and 31% in Sheffield. Johnstone admitted the analysis was 'not scientific' but said it was the best available due to a lack of government data.
Liberal Democrat MP Anna Sabine filed a complaint, calling the statistics 'unverified and frankly racist'. She urged Ofcom to investigate whether GB News breached the broadcasting code, which prohibits misrepresentation of views and facts. Sabine said: 'Turning up to court and counting people with names that don’t sound British to you is no way to engage with the complex and sensitive topic of immigration.'
A GB News spokesperson dismissed the complaint as 'politically motivated', stating: 'Unlike some other broadcasters, GB News takes its compliance seriously.' Ofcom confirmed it is assessing the complaints but has not yet decided whether to launch a formal investigation.
