Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he will always stand up for a 'strong, independent BBC', but declined to ask US President Donald Trump to drop his threat of a $1bn lawsuit against the broadcaster. The comments came during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, as the row over an edited video of Trump's January 6 speech continues.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey accused 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'. Davey urged Starmer to tell Trump to drop his demand for a $1bn settlement. However, Starmer avoided a direct call on the US president, instead reaffirming his support for the BBC's independence.
Trump has doubled down on his threat to sue the BBC, claiming an 'obligation' to do so over what he called a 'misleading' video edit that made him look 'more radical'. He has demanded amends by Friday or he will launch litigation. The BBC has yet to issue a formal response, though its chair, Samir Shah, described Trump as a 'litigious fellow' and said the corporation was prepared for all outcomes.
Starmer also agreed with Davey that the previous Conservative government had undermined the BBC, but declined to comment on calls for former Tory spin doctor Robbie Gibb to be removed from the BBC board, saying he would not discuss 'internal workings'. Meanwhile, Reform UK has pulled out of a BBC documentary about the party, citing a loss of trust.
