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BBC: Dyson Report
24 May 2021
Lead MP
John Whittingdale
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Culture, Media & Sport
Other Contributors: 30
At a Glance
John Whittingdale raised concerns about bbc: dyson report in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Lord Dyson’s report details an appalling failure at the BBC, tarnishing its reputation. The new leadership deserves credit for initiating independent inquiries and accepting findings. It is crucial that confidence and trust are restored urgently. Since 2015-16, fundamental governance changes were made: the BBC Trust was replaced by a more powerful board with Ofcom as an external regulator to oversee content and complaints. A mid-term review will start now to assess if new governance arrangements would prevent such failures. The BBC board announced its own review focusing on editorial guidelines and standards, whistleblowing processes, and culture. The need for strong public service broadcasting is crucial, especially in the era of fake news.
Julian Knight
Con
Solihull
Question
Lord Dyson’s report was damning. Bashir obtained fame through forgery, scaring a vulnerable woman. BBC covered up the incident, blackballed whistleblowers and rehired Bashir despite his deceitful nature. Questions remain: who was involved in the cover-up? Why did they rehire him? Who made the decision to rehire? The investigation panel should be diverse; no women are included yet. Whistleblowers should be compensated, BBC culture reviewed for ‘us vs them’ dynamics and prioritising talent over guidelines.
Minister reply
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his urgent question. He raises valid points regarding the recruitment process of Martin Bashir and its adequacy. The director-general is investigating urgently; I expect a fuller account soon. My hon. Friend will want to examine BBC on these questions, including composition of the panel, diversity, and protection for whistleblowers.
Jo Stevens
Lab
Cardiff East
Question
Thank you for securing this urgent question, Julian Knight. The actions of Martin Bashir 25 years ago were unethical and wrong; he should not have been re-employed by the BBC in 2016. Lord Dyson’s findings are stark. Internal inquiry was inadequate. The review announced is welcome. However, the BBC is bigger than just Martin Bashir. It's crucial for trusted sources at a time when trust is vital. Secretary of State will not rush into changes. New director-general and chair need time to reform. Mid-term review is important but must be clear about problems governance reforms solve; funding should remain separate from editorial control.
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Lady, agreeing with most of her points. The mid-term review will assess if new governance arrangements work properly. Further editorial oversight may be necessary. I share her view on trust in BBC and confirm that the licence fee is in place until 2027.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Wantage
Question
Compliments the minister on his actions in appointing Sir David Clementi to review BBC governance and supports the government's acceptance of Sir David's recommendations. Emphasises that while issues have occurred, such as with Martin Bashir, the public would prefer a state broadcaster over alternatives like US media.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need for stronger governance reforms implemented after 2015 and the importance of the BBC in providing free, fair and independent broadcasting.
John Nicolson
SNP
Nairn, Highland and Badenoch
Question
Questions the involvement of Tony Hall in reappointing Martin Bashir despite knowing about his dishonest methods. Asks for an investigation into recruitment practices and impacts on whistleblowers like Matt Wiessler.
Minister reply
Confirms the BBC is investigating the circumstances around Bashir's employment and invites further questioning from the Select Committee.
Bill Cash
Con
Stone
Question
Suggests the government should vary the charter to make guidelines, impartiality rules and complaints procedures subject to parliamentary approval.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need for reforms but does not wish to pre-empt the review process; emphasises the importance of impartiality in BBC's public purposes.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Question
Expresses concern that enemies of the BBC are using the Bashir scandal to attack, defund or dismantle it.
Minister reply
Assures that there is no intention to dismantle or defund the BBC; emphasises its role as a trusted broadcaster and commitment to restore reputation.
Alun Cairns
Con
Vale of Glamorgan
Question
Raises concerns about repeated scandals at the BBC including Jimmy Savile, Lord McAlpine, Sir Cliff Richard among others. Suggests reform is needed not just in governance but also culture, transparency and plurality.
Minister reply
Agrees that fundamental reform is necessary beyond specific areas highlighted by Dyson; mentions new management's commitment to address these issues.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Question
Argues for a deep cultural change at the BBC beyond governance, structure and procedure.
Minister reply
Agrees that cultural change is essential; mentions efforts to ensure diversity and address past failures.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Asks when the government will stop criminalising non-payment of the licence fee.
Minister reply
Explains that decriminalisation is being carefully considered to avoid distress for those unable to pay.
Jamie Stone
LD
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Question
Highlights BBC's independence during the Scottish referendum and asks about protecting editorial independence from political interference.
Minister reply
Agrees on the importance of BBC's independence; contrasts with RT channel which lacks objectivity.
Suzanne Webb
Con
Stourbridge
Question
Asks for improvements in culture at the BBC, focusing on accuracy, impartiality and diversity.
Minister reply
Agrees that these qualities are crucial; emphasises commitment to prevent similar failures from occurring.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Question
Welcomes the Minister's tone and agrees that public service broadcasting is important, citing the importance of trustworthy journalism. Quotes from National Union of Journalists parliamentary group highlighting the BBC’s values.
Minister reply
Agrees with the statement regarding fake news and disinformation challenges, emphasising the BBC as a reliable source. Acknowledges Select Committee report conclusions.
Julie Marson
Con
Question
Asks if the current BBC leadership understands the need for cultural change to retain trust, particularly in news and current affairs.
Minister reply
Acknowledges pre-Dyson report awareness of culture issues at the BBC and supports new leadership's efforts.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
Asks about the importance of independent whistleblowing processes at the BBC, citing the board’s promise to review them.
Minister reply
Considers independence and protection for whistleblowers essential in all public bodies.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
Asks if accountability is confused with threat to editorial judgment at the BBC, suggesting a need for an independent body overseeing policies.
Minister reply
Agrees on stronger oversight of editorial decisions but acknowledges current review examining such changes.
Hannah Bardell
SNP
Question
Highlights issues with BBC’s handling of scandals and the financial imbalance favouring England over Scotland, questioning its fairness.
Minister reply
Emphasises BBC's impartiality and importance as a UK-wide institution despite criticisms.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
Asks if the Secretary of State is considering referring individuals involved in covering up Bashir’s actions to the DPP.
Minister reply
Requests police examination of evidence regarding potential criminal offences.
Damian Green
Con
Question
Expresses concern about severe damage to a valued institution due to past failures, urging trust restoration.
Minister reply
Agrees with the sentiment and reiterates intention to restore public trust in the BBC.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Question
Questions if demands for Government action over 25-year-old events are ridiculous, suggesting learning from past mistakes.
Minister reply
Acknowledges learning from past incidents but emphasises current governance improvements.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Question
Suggests subscription model for the BBC to ensure better public service alignment, citing lack of trust among constituents.
Minister reply
Agrees on reconnecting with public but notes current charter commitments and debate over funding models.
Question
Following the biased coverage of the 2014 independence referendum, this crisis in trust is but a taste of what audiences in Scotland have known for years. The BBC brand is broken in Scotland and broadcasting must therefore be devolved or see the introduction of a new funding model, where all money raised in Scotland is spent in Scotland.
Minister reply
The BBC is committed to impartiality in its coverage of all political events, including the referendum in Scotland and the current political debate. The independence of the BBC must be defended from political pressure.
Question
With the mid-point review of the BBC charter imminent, does the Minister agree with many of my constituents across Hyndburn and Haslingden that everything must be on the table for discussion, including its governance structures?
Minister reply
The mid-term review will consider the governance arrangements put in place as well as the culture to ensure the BBC is delivering on its public purposes. A more fundamental examination of every aspect of the BBC will take place when the charter is renewed in 2027.
Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Question
Can the Minister explain which elements of the BBC’s governance structure he thinks need to be reviewed in light of Lord Dyson’s report? Does he agree that in considering the Dyson report we should all remember the BBC’s contribution to the UK’s economy, culture, democracy and soft power abroad?
Minister reply
The purpose of the mid-term review is to assess whether any further changes need to be made to the governance arrangements. The Minister agrees on the importance of the BBC's contribution to the country's economy, democracy, and international standing.
Question
It seems that the problem is at the national level with senior management. Can my right hon. Friend tell the House how to ensure that senior management at the top of the BBC are independent and meet very high standards?
Minister reply
The review into Lord Dyson’s report will feed into the wider reform agenda. The leadership acknowledges there is a problem with culture at the BBC, which goes beyond just the failings identified by Lord Dyson.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
The hurt and anger felt by Princes William and Harry and other members of the royal family is palpable and painful. I am glad there has been an unequivocal apology from the BBC, but does the Minister agree that it is very distasteful to see a feeding frenzy especially from those with a severe dislike of the BBC?
Minister reply
The distress caused by journalistic practices in 1995 must be addressed. The trust in the BBC is one of its greatest assets and needs to be restored.
Question
How can someone who supports Brexit, believes in the Union and loves England be persuaded that the BBC’s view of public service broadcasting will be fair to their views?
Minister reply
It is the job of the BBC to deliver impartiality. The leadership now committed to strengthening it where necessary.
Question
Rather than stifling journalistic freedom, will the Minister consider devolving broadcasting powers to the devolved nations?
Minister reply
The Government have no intention of imposing greater control over the BBC. The BBC remains a national broadcaster and it is right that it remains the responsibility of the UK Government.
Question
Will he describe a little more about the review process that will apply conditions regarding governance versus what occurred beforehand?
Minister reply
The mid-term review, originally scheduled for 2022, has been brought forward due to recent events. The Secretary of State has made clear we are starting work now.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Question
Since 1995, there have been multiple incidents at the BBC that tarnish its reputation, including the Jimmy Savile cover-up and recent tweets by a Palestinian expert.
Minister reply
A lot of these incidents took place before new governance arrangements were in place. Any journalist expressing such opinions should not be employed by the BBC.
Shadow Comment
Julian Knight
Shadow Comment
Lord Dyson’s report was damning; Bashir engaged in forgery and mistreated a vulnerable woman, with BBC covering it up and blackballing whistleblowers. They rehired him without competitive process despite knowing his deceitful nature. Questions remain: who was involved in the cover-up, why he was rehired, decision-makers’ roles. A diverse investigation panel is essential; no women are included yet. Whistleblowers should be compensated and BBC’s culture must be reviewed for ‘us vs them’ dynamics and prioritising talent over guidelines.
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