BROADCASTER tells Florida court it has no jurisdiction and says claim over ‘fight like hell’ edit does not meet US defamation threshold

The BBC is seeking to have Donald Trump’s $10bn defamation lawsuit over an edited Panorama clip dismissed by a federal court in Florida.

Court documents show the broadcaster is preparing a motion to throw out the claim on a number of grounds, including that the Florida court lacks personal jurisdiction over the BBC, the venue is improper, and the case fails to set out a valid legal claim.

The lawsuit centres on a Panorama episode broadcast in 2024 which featured a spliced clip of Trump’s address at a rally on 6 January 2021, shortly before the attack on the US Capitol.

The programme used sections of the speech to create the impression Trump told supporters: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol… and I’ll be there with you, and we fight. We fight like hell.” Reports say the words were drawn from parts of the speech delivered nearly an hour apart.

Trump alleges the edit falsely suggested he encouraged supporters to storm the Capitol, and he is seeking $5bn in damages on two counts – one for defamation and another under Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

In its submissions, the BBC is expected to argue that it did not create, produce or broadcast the documentary in Florida, and that claims it was available to US audiences via BritBox are untrue.

The corporation is also challenging the legal basis of the defamation claim, arguing that Trump, as a public official, must meet the high US standard of proving “actual malice” – meaning the broadcaster knowingly published false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

The BBC has asked the court to pause the pre-trial discovery process while the dismissal application is considered, warning that Trump could seek wide-ranging disclosure covering the BBC’s reporting on him over many years.

A trial date in 2027 has been proposed should the case proceed.

The BBC previously acknowledged the editing was an “error of judgment” and apologised, but has insisted there is no legal basis for a defamation case. It has said it will defend the action and will not comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.

Staff and supporters go the extra mile to back vital charity

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has raised an impressive £168,604 for the Fire Fighters Charity over the past 12 months, marking a slight increase on last year’s total of £166,297.

The total reflects the continued commitment and generosity of staff across the Service, with both operational and support teams taking part in a wide range of fundraising activities. These included community car washes, Fire Station open days, physical challenges and a variety of creative initiatives held throughout the year.

Speaking on the achievement, MAWWFRS Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery thanked everyone involved, saying the support would make a lasting difference.

He said the generosity, enthusiasm and community spirit shown by staff and supporters would have a real impact on the work of the Fire Fighters Charity and on the lives of those who dedicate themselves to keeping others safe.

The Fire Fighters Charity provides lifelong support for the mental, physical and social wellbeing of serving and retired firefighters, their families, and other Fire and Rescue Service personnel. Founded in 1943, the Charity is funded through donations and fundraising events and remains a vital resource for those working within the Fire and Rescue Service community.

Pictured receiving the Service’s Certificate of Appreciation are Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery and MAWWFRS Central Response Officer and Charity Coordinator Nerys Thomas, both of whom have personally benefited from the Charity’s support.

During his recovery from a knee ligament injury, ACFO Flannery received tailored rehabilitation support from the Fire Fighters Charity, which played a key role in helping him manage the physical and emotional challenges associated with his injury.

As Charity Coordinator, Nerys Thomas acts as the link between the Fire Fighters Charity and MAWWFRS staff. She has also received support herself following rehabilitation treatment after a skiing accident. Her bespoke programme included pool sessions, workshops and guided walks, helping her return to running sooner than expected. After the death of her father, she again turned to the Charity for support, taking part in a Rest and Recharge stay at Harcombe House.

Speaking about her experience, Nerys said: “During my Rest and Recharge stay, my mother, my husband and I were able to enjoy lovely walks, outdoor reading, trips to the local area and had all our meals prepared for us by the chefs there which were amazing.

“The charity was absolutely brilliant throughout my contact with them. I’m keen to spread the word to other green book staff who still aren’t aware they’re eligible for support from the charity.”

THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD’s website reached more than one million users last year, according to new figures from Google Analytics, which highlight the title’s growing influence across West Wales and beyond.

Data from the Herald’s web analytics shows the site recorded 1.1 million active users in 2025, with 4.8 million page views over the year.

The figures represent a significant year-on-year increase on 2024, when the Herald recorded 937,000 active users and 3.9 million page views.

Average engagement time per user in 2025 was recorded at one minute and 24 seconds, suggesting readers are spending meaningful time consuming stories rather than clicking away after a single glance.

The data also sheds light on how readers are finding the Herald’s reporting, with the largest source of traffic coming from organic social media, followed by organic search and direct visits from returning readers.

The Herald’s Editor, Tom Sinclair said: “The figures confirm what we have been seeing on the ground for some time – The Pembrokeshire Herald is no longer just a local news outlet, it is a regional platform with the reach to match.

“That matters because it means Pembrokeshire stories are being read well beyond the county, and it also means local businesses have a serious, cost-effective way to advertise to large audiences across West Wales.”

He added that the growth reflects a combination of breaking news coverage, public interest reporting, and an increasing number of readers using the site as a daily news source.

The Herald will now use the data to support advertising partnerships with local firms, offering campaign reporting that focuses on UK delivery for businesses looking to reach customers in Pembrokeshire and neighbouring counties.

The publication said it would continue investing in digital reporting while maintaining its long-standing commitment to covering local issues, crime, courts, councils and community stories.