News

BBC leadership under pressure as MPs question senior figures over Trump edit

Published

5 months ago

November 24, 2025

Board divisions exposed after leaked memo and high-profile resignations

THE CRISIS at the BBC deepened on Monday (Nov 24) as senior figures were questioned by MPs over a controversial edit to a Panorama programme on Donald Trump — an incident that has already led to two major resignations and a legal threat from the former US president.

Members of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee spent the afternoon probing the corporation’s handling of the row, which centres on Panorama’s editing of a Trump speech from 6 January 2021. A leaked internal memo later accused the programme of presenting a “misleading” impression — triggering weeks of internal turmoil at the BBC.

Chair admits apology was too slow

BBC chair Samir Shah told MPs he regretted the organisation’s slow response once concerns about the edit became known.

“I think we should have made the decision earlier in May,” he said, adding that the corporation needed to be “quicker” at confronting mistakes. Shah said there were “sharp disagreements” on the board about the programme’s presentation of Trump’s remarks, and he rejected an initial apology drafted by news executives because “it wasn’t sufficient”.

When asked whether the crisis could have been avoided with a faster response, Shah refused to speculate but insisted there was “no pressure” from the board to delay.

Shah also confirmed the BBC will now seek to appoint a deputy director general focused on journalism, arguing that the top job has become “too big for one person”.

Memo author questioned

Michael Prescott — the former external adviser whose leaked memo first raised alarm about the Trump edit — told MPs his document highlighted “incipient problems” within BBC journalism but insisted he does not believe the corporation is “institutionally biased”.

He said his concerns related to how the BBC deals with mistakes, claiming there were “issues of denial” and a lack of willingness to “look into what exactly went wrong”. He added that the edit gave the impression Trump had issued a “call to violent action”.

Prescott said his memo largely quoted assessments by David Grossman, who had been asked to review editorial standards. He denied choosing topics — including Trump, Gaza and trans issues — for ideological reasons.

Robbie Gibb rejects interference claims

Robbie Gibb, a political appointee to the BBC board and former Downing Street communications chief, firmly denied accusations of political interference.

“I have impartiality through my bones,” he told MPs, adding that he has been “weaponised” by critics. Claims of a politically motivated “coup” at the BBC were “ridiculous” and “complete nonsense”, he said.

Gibb acknowledged disagreements on the board, but insisted these were about editorial standards, not party politics.

Governance questions remain

The hearing followed the resignations of director general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness, along with the departure last week of board member Shumeet Banerji, who said he was “not consulted” during the crisis.

Shah disputed that, claiming he had held a 26-minute conversation with Banerji. Non-executive director Caroline Thomson told MPs the board “unanimously” supported Shah’s leadership.

The BBC confirmed it is reviewing the powers and scope of its Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee. Every issue raised in Prescott’s memo will now be re-examined, with findings expected to be presented to the board in December.

Crisis far from over

Despite repeated declarations of loyalty to the BBC, committee members noted that the events of recent weeks have exposed deep divisions at the top of the corporation. With a legal threat still in place from Donald Trump and key leadership posts now vacant, MPs warned that the crisis is “not over”.

Charity

Slipway Ukes raise £1,514 for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home

Published

1 hour ago

April 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

COMMUNITY MUSICIANS COME TOGETHER FOR CHARITY NIGHT IN SAUNDERSFOOT

THE SLIPWAY Ukes have raised a phenomenal £1,514.01 for the Paul Sartori Foundation following a charity gig in Saundersfoot.

The much-anticipated event took place at Regency Hall on Saturday (Mar 28), with support from Saundersfoot Rotary Club.

The ukulele group were joined on the night by local band Footbridge and community choir Pembrokeshire Pop Voices, creating a lively evening of music, food and fundraising.

Pembrokeshire Pop Voices also performed their current charity single, Love the Bones of You, which is raising money directly for the foundation. The choir is due to perform the song again at Voices at the Castle, taking place at Pembroke Castle on Saturday, June 13.

The Slipway Ukes have a long history of supporting Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, having raised significant sums for the charity through community events over the years.

Rosie-Faye Hart, Community Relationship Officer for the Paul Sartori Foundation, said: “Support through fantastic community events like these not only contributes to local culture and live entertainment, but also brings people together to raise money for a cause that impacts the lives of so many in Pembrokeshire.”

The evening was described as warm and buzzing, with guests enjoying food from local producers The Copper Hog and Saundersfoot Rotary Club, while dancing and tapping their feet to Footbridge’s upbeat set and the Slipway Ukes’ energetic performance.

The night ended with The Slipway Ukes, Footbridge and Pembrokeshire Pop Voices combining their talents for a joint performance.

The Paul Sartori Foundation is encouraging more musicians, artists and performing groups to get involved and support the charity in creative ways.

Donations help the hospice-at-home service ensure that people in Pembrokeshire do not have to face the end of life without the care, support and equipment they need.

Anyone who would like to organise a performance or fundraising event for the charity can contact Rosie-Faye Hart on 07584 684171 or email [email protected].

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care in Pembrokeshire before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

The charity supports people with any life-limiting condition, not only cancer, and provides care to people of any faith or no faith. It operates an open referral system, with referrals coming from patients, families, friends, district nurses, palliative care specialists and hospital staff.

Crime

Police launch arson investigation after Haverfordwest fire

Published

1 hour ago

April 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CCTV APPEAL ISSUED

POLICE have launched an arson investigation after a derelict building was destroyed in a major overnight fire in Haverfordwest.

Emergency services were called to Snowdrop Lane at around 11:20pm on Monday (Apr 27), after flames broke out at a two-storey derelict commercial property.

As previously reported by The Herald, residents were told to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed as smoke spread across the area.

Fire crews from Haverfordwest and Milford Haven attended, along with specialist appliances including a turntable ladder and water bowser. Firefighters remained at the scene for several hours before leaving shortly after 2:00am on Tuesday morning.

Dyfed-Powys Police has now confirmed that local officers are investigating the incident as arson.

A police spokesperson said officers are appealing for anyone with information, Ring doorbell footage, or CCTV which could help the investigation to come forward.

Police will remain in the street today carrying out door-to-door crime enquiries.

No injuries have been reported.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, email [email protected], send a direct message on social media, or call 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260427-508.

News

Reform candidate says Wales cannot afford ‘EV fantasy’

Published

2 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Llyr Powell criticises Labour and Plaid Cymru after report claims Wales has Britain’s worst charger coverage by road miles

A REFORM UK candidate has accused Labour and Plaid Cymru of pursuing an “EV fantasy” after new research claimed Wales has the worst public electric vehicle charger coverage in Britain by road miles.

Llyr Powell said the figures showed motorists were being pushed towards electric vehicles before the basic infrastructure was in place.

The research, published by the TaxPayers’ Alliance, claimed Wales had one public EV charger for every 3.69 miles of road as of March 2026. It also estimated that meeting Welsh Government charging targets for 2030 could cost around £133m.

Mr Powell said: “Labour and Plaid have signed Wales up to unrealistic targets without putting the groundwork in place. Now ordinary taxpayers are being handed the bill for their failure.

“This is what happens when ideology comes before practicality. Drivers are being pushed toward electric vehicles, yet the infrastructure simply isn’t there. It’s reckless and it’s unfair.”

The Welsh Government’s electric vehicle charging strategy previously set out an ambition for Wales to have between 30,000 and 55,000 fast chargers by 2030, as well as thousands of rapid chargers.

But Reform UK says rural communities and working families risk being hit hardest by gaps in the charging network, particularly in areas where public transport is limited and car use remains essential.

Mr Powell added: “People across Wales are already struggling with the cost of living. Labour and Plaid should be honest about the true cost of these policies instead of forcing through expensive, unworkable plans.”

Reform UK is calling for a reassessment of the current EV strategy, with a greater focus on affordability, realistic timescales and infrastructure that works for rural as well as urban Wales.