The BBC's flagship rural affairs programme, Countryfile, has been accused of turning into a 'Labour Party political broadcaster' after an interview with the Labour MP and Minister for Safeguarding, Jess Phillips. The segment, which aired on Sunday evening, focused on domestic abuse in the countryside and the government's strategy for women and girls, sparking a wave of complaints from viewers.
Viewer Backlash Over 'Politicised' Segment
Fans of the long-running series, which traditionally explores agricultural and environmental issues, took to social media platform X to express their anger. Many felt the inclusion of the Birmingham Yardley MP, making her debut on the show, was an inappropriate politicisation of the programme.
One viewer wrote: 'Watching Countryfile to look at nature in the UK and I’ve got bloody Jess Phillips gob spouting off at me...' Another commented: 'Turned over,' while a third stated: 'Thought I was watching a Labour Party political broadcast. Turns out, it's just Countryfile.' Critics argued that the show had strayed from its core remit by featuring a sitting government minister in a policy discussion.
Focus on Rural Domestic Abuse Support
The contentious episode, presented by Adam Henson and Charlotte Smith, investigated whether victims of domestic abuse in rural communities were being failed. The segment examined the work of the National Rural Crime Network and featured a sit-down interview between presenter Charlotte Smith and Jess Phillips.
Phillips, the 44-year-old Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, was questioned on how the government could better support rural victims. She defended the government's national strategy, stating: 'The whole point of the strategy is about where, any victim of domestic abuse... where they present, we need to make those systems better.' She emphasised her role was to 'country-proof' policies to ensure specialist services were available everywhere, regardless of location.
Broader Controversy and Ministerial Support
The Countryfile appearance comes amid separate, significant pressure on Jess Phillips regarding her role overseeing the independent inquiry into grooming gangs. Last October, a fifth victim quit the inquiry panel, with survivors criticising the process and calling for Phillips to be sacked over claims the inquiry's scope was being watered down.
Despite this, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly backed his minister, stating he has 'faith' in her and that there is 'no-one better for that job'. Health Secretary Wes Streeting also offered strong support. However, the controversy adds a contentious backdrop to her media appearances, with some viewers referencing the grooming gangs inquiry in their complaints about the Countryfile segment.
The BBC has not publicly commented on the viewer reaction. Countryfile continues to air on Sundays at 6pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
