The BBC is facing a “catastrophic loss of trust” among parliamentarians and the public because it cannot rope in its stars who allegedly breach impartiality guidelines, a Tory MP has claimed.
Jonathan Gullis has penned a letter to the broadcaster’s director-general Tim Davie following a post on X, formerly Twitter, by Match of the Day host Gary Lineker.
The MP initially accused Mr Lineker of breaching the broadcaster’s impartiality guidelines after the footballer joined others in signing a letter calling for the Government to scrap its Rwanda scheme and for political leaders to come up with a “fair new plan for refugees”.
Mr Lineker responded to the MP’s allegation on X by saying: “Jonathan hasn’t read the new guidelines…or, should I say, had someone read them to him?”
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READ MORE: Gary Lineker in social media meltdown as he furiously hits back at Tory MPs
Social media guidance at the BBC states presenters on flagship shows must not endorse or attack a political party.
They must also not criticise the character of individual politicians in the UK.
In his letter to Mr Davie, Mr Gullis said: “Because of this potential breach, I am hereby making a formal complaint and hope that, as you promised to me personally in the 1922 Committee on the 25th of October 2023, action will finally be taken.
“The BBC faces a catastrophic loss of trust amongst Members of Parliament and the public because it cannot act against highly paid starts who breach impartiality guidelines.
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“If you are serious about delivering on assurances made to MPs, then the BBC should take robust action to ensure that it and its presenters uphold impartiality guidelines.
“I hope this will be an opportunity for the BBC to deliver on assurances made to MPs and the public and not another case of empty promises. This is essential if the BBC continues to claim it is an impartial national broadcaster.”
Earlier this year, Lineker was at the centre of a BBC impartiality row after he voiced criticism of a new Government asylum seeker policy.
He was briefly asked by the broadcaster to take a step back from Match Of The Day but returned after fellow pundits boycotted various BBC sports shows in solidarity.
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The scandal led to the BBC strengthening social media guidelines for staff on issues of impartiality and civility.
Responding to the criticism of Lineker, a BBC spokesperson said: “Like all freelance presenters, Gary is free to contribute to projects for third parties, as long as these do not conflict with his BBC commitments; do not breach guidelines on conflicts of interest; nor bring the BBC into disrepute, and he does so regularly.”
The spokesperson later added: “We aren’t going to comment on individuals or indeed individual tweets.
“While the guidance does allow people to talk about issues that matter to them, it is also clear that individuals should be civil and not call into question anyone’s character.
“We discuss issues that arise with presenters as necessary.”
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