Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis has written a scathing letter to BBC Director General Tim Davie, criticising the broadcaster for presenter Gary Lineker’s latest intervention in politics.
This came after Lineker signed a letter calling for the Government to scrap its Rwanda scheme.
The letter demanded political leaders come up with a “fair new plan for refugees”.
Lineker joined 30 others in signing the letter, including actors Brian Cox, Juliet Stevenson and David Morrissey, as well as Kaiser Chiefs musician Simon Rix.
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Gullis hit out at the BBC on X accusing Lineker of breaching the broadcaster’s new impartiality guidelines, which state that presenters must not endorse or attack a political party or criticise the character or individual politicians in the UK.
But the presenter hit back saying: “Jonathan hasn’t read the new guidelines…or, should I say, had someone read them to him.”
Gullis filed a formal complaint to Davie, warning that he faces a “catastrophic loss of trust” if he fails to take action.
He said: “Because of this potential breach, I am hereby making a formal complaint and hope that, as you promised to me personally in the 1922 Committee on the 25th of October 2023, action will finally be taken.
“The BBC faces a catastrophic loss of trust amongst Members of Parliament and the public because it cannot act against highly paid starts who breach impartiality guidelines.
“If you are serious about delivering on assurances made to MPs, then the BBC should take robust action to ensure that it and its presenters uphold impartiality guidelines.
“I hope this will be an opportunity for the BBC to deliver on assurances made to MPs and the public and not another case of empty promises.
“This is essential if the BBC continues to claim it is an impartial national broadcaster.”
But responding to Gullis’ criticism, a spokesperson for the broadcaster said: “Like all freelance presenters, Gary is free to contribute to projects for third parties, as long as these do not conflict with his BBC commitments; do not breach guidelines on conflicts of interest; nor bring the BBC into disrepute, and he does so regularly.”
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Gullis filed a formal complaint to Davie, warning that he faces a “catastrophic loss of trust” if he fails to take action
PA
The spokesperson later added: “We aren’t going to comment on individuals or indeed individual tweets.
“While the guidance does allow people to talk about issues that matter to them, it is also clear that individuals should be civil and not call into question anyone’s character.
“We discuss issues that arise with presenters as necessary.”
