Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with UK media outlets about the importance of verifying reports before broadcast, particularly in a volatile war environment.

Broadcasters have a duty to ensure that the news they provide are accurate and impartial. That is particularly important when it comes to coverage of highly sensitive events.

As the Prime Minister said at Prime Minister’s Questions on 18 October 2023, “it is incumbent on all of those in positions of responsibility in this House and outside in the media to recognise that the words we say will have an impact, and we should be careful with them”.

Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code ensures that all broadcast news are reported with due accuracy and impartiality. As the UK’s independent broadcasting regulator, it is for Ofcom to determine whether there has been a breach of the Broadcasting Code, and whether to take action.