Sky News was forced to apologise to viewers after Labour MP Emily Thornberry used the f-word during a live broadcast of a Foreign Affairs Select Committee hearing. The incident occurred as former senior civil servant Olly Robbins gave evidence regarding the vetting controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson's proposed appointment as US Ambassador.
The hearing took an unexpected turn when Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord referenced a phone call involving Morgan McSweeney, the former Chief of Staff, using language he deemed unsuitable for broadcast. Thornberry interjected, urging Foord to use the explicit term, and was later heard saying, 'Just f**king approve it.'
A Sky News presenter quickly issued an apology, stating: 'You're watching Sky News bringing you live testimony from Westminster. Apology if any of the language there cause offence. This is a live evidence hearing at the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. We are unable to govern the language used, but apologies again if you were offended by any of the subject matter just then.'
Robbins was sacked last week after Prime Minister Keir Starmer learned that he had not been informed by Robbins that Mandelson had failed the vetting process. During the hearing, Robbins claimed there was no stipulation from Number 10 that Mandelson should be vetted, and that official communications did not mention vetting.
