BBC: Dyson Report Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Edward Leigh
Main Page: Edward Leigh (Conservative - Gainsborough)Department Debates - View all Edward Leigh's debates with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
BBC: Dyson Report
Edward Leigh Excerpts(3 years, 6 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Mr Whittingdale
I very much agree with the hon. Gentleman. Indeed, my right hon. Friend the Member for Vale of Glamorgan (Alun Cairns) made the same point immediately before him. It is right that the BBC investigates the precise circumstances that led to Martin Bashir’s interview and the subsequent failure to investigate properly the complaints, but it goes wider than that. It is a question of culture. We are determined that the BBC should be properly reflective of the diversity of sex, race, thought and geography. In the future, it must not just be made up of people who pat themselves on the back and turn a blind eye when accusations are made. Fundamental reform is needed, but I am assured that the new management recognises that and is determined to address it.
Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con)
When are we going to have the guts to stop the BBC criminalising people for non-payment of the licence fee, which is no better than the poll tax?