1 Clive Betts debates involving the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

BBC: Government Role in Impartiality

Clive Betts Excerpts
Tuesday 14th March 2023

(1 year, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Julia Lopez Portrait Julia Lopez
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the importance of impartiality. The BBC already has a set of rules on that but, in the light of this incident, it is also looking at how social media is governed and making sure that the organisation is adhering to those principles and that the guidance is working as it should.

Clive Betts Portrait Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab)
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Whatever review is undertaken now, Richard Sharp is currently the chair of the BBC. The specifications say that one of his responsibilities is the “delivery of impartiality” at the corporation. Does the Minister have any confidence that, in his current situation, Richard Sharp can properly undertake that role?

Julia Lopez Portrait Julia Lopez
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Richard Sharp was appointed in a transparent way. There are obviously concerns about—[Interruption.]