BBC issues grovelling apology for ‘libellous and defamatory’ accusation about Reform UK

2 years ago 238

EXCLUSIVE: Lee Anderson says the incident proves that the BBC is seen as anti-Britain and proves the licence fee must be scrapped.

By Christian Calgie, Senior Political Correspondent

11:05, Tue, Mar 19, 2024 | UPDATED: 11:13, Tue, Mar 19, 2024

Lee Anderson issues huge prediction after joining Reform

The BBC has been forced to issue a grovelling apology to Reform UK this morning after an online article defamed the party just days after Lee Anderson’s defection.

The article about Sir Ed Davey’s speech at the Lib Dem spring conference, published on Saturday, described Reform UK as “far-right”.

The incorrect claim came despite Reform UK consistently out-polling the Lib Dems, and solidifying their position as Britain’s third most popular political party.

The article, published without a by-line, reported: “It has been suggested by some polls that far-right Reform UK has overtaken the Lib Dems in terms of popularity.”

This morning the BBC said they “wrong described the political party Reform UK as far-right when referring to polling”.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Politics news

Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Richard Tice, leader of Reform UK announces that former...

Richard Tice said his lawyers had forced the apology and correction (Image: Getty)

A statement said: “This sentence was subsequently removed from the article as it fell short of our usual editorial standards.

“While the original wording was based on news agency copy, we take full responsibility and apologise for the error.”

The sentence and all references to Reform UK were removed from the article within nine hours.

Responding to the BBC’s humiliating apology, leader Richard Tice said the corporation’s concession only came after an intervention from his lawyers.

Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice (right) and Lee Anderson...

Lee Anderson also blasted the BBC, saying it's time to abolish the licence fee (Image: Getty)

Mr Tice also warned that his lawyers “are also in touch with other news organisations who repeated the BBC line”.

He warned: “To be clear, I view this as defamatory and libellous.”

Reform’s new MP, Lee Anderson, told the Express that the grave error once again proves that the licence fee must be scrapped.

Mr Anderson said: “This latest outburst from the BBC shows the great British public what they really think.

“They are no longer seen as Aunty Beeb, they are seen by millions as anti-Britain.

“It's high time the BBC licence fee was scrapped.”

IPSO Regulated Copyright ©2024 Express Newspapers. "Daily Express" is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.

Read Entire Article