BBC Under Unprecedented Attack, Says Lib Dem Leader
The BBC, a cornerstone of British life, is facing its gravest threat in living memory, according to Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey. In a powerful call to action, the MP for Kingston and Surbiton argues that the broadcaster is under coordinated assault from right-wing populists, both at home and abroad, who see its trusted journalism as a direct challenge to their power.
The Assault from Outside and Within
Davey points to a disturbing escalation in attacks, highlighting that former US President Donald Trump has now joined the fray. Trump has labelled BBC journalists as "corrupt," celebrated the resignation of senior leaders, and even threatened legal action. The MP notes the extraordinary step of the White House press secretary promoting GB News, as if the US government should influence British news consumption.
This external pressure, Davey contends, is mirrored by a long-standing campaign from domestic figures. He recalls that Dominic Cummings once branded the BBC the "mortal enemy" of the Conservative Party, while Nigel Farage has repeatedly called it "the enemy." This hostility, he suggests, culminated in the 2019 appointment of two Conservative allies to the BBC board by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The Urgent Need to Restore Impartiality
While acknowledging the BBC is not beyond reproach—citing the recent Panorama editing error and its past platforming of Farage—Davey passionately defends the institution. He describes it as a "wayward family member" that the nation must protect. Its core strength, he argues, lies in its mission to inform, educate, and entertain, free from political coercion.
However, this impartiality has been eroded. Davey states that Richard Sharp, Johnson's pick for BBC chair, has already resigned over his links to an £800,000 loan for Johnson. But Robbie Gibb remains in place as a non-executive director. Gibb's background includes being director of communications for Theresa May and an editorial adviser at GB News before his appointment.
Most alarmingly, Davey accuses Gibb of interfering with editorial decisions, a move completely at odds with the board's role. With the board set to choose the next Director-General, Davey insists Gibb must have no part in this critical decision.
A Call to Action to Protect Our BBC
Ed Davey's solution is clear and urgent. The government must remove Robbie Gibb from the BBC board immediately. Furthermore, he demands an end to the practice of political appointments altogether. The BBC belongs to the British public, who own and pay for it, and it must be shielded from its enemies. The time to act, he concludes, is now, before one of Britain's most precious institutions is irreparably damaged.
