{"id":120310,"date":"2023-10-23T13:09:37","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T13:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yourclomid.com\/?p=120310"},"modified":"2023-10-23T13:09:37","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T13:09:37","slug":"lee-anderson-issues-blunt-two-word-response-to-ofcom-verdict","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yourclomid.com\/politics\/lee-anderson-issues-blunt-two-word-response-to-ofcom-verdict\/","title":{"rendered":"Lee Anderson issues blunt two-word response to Ofcom verdict"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Lee Anderson\u2019s interview with Suella Braverman did not break strict impartiality rules, media watchdog Ofcom has concluded – prompting the outspoken Tory Party deputy chairman to insist he was \u201cas impartial as they come\u201d.<\/p>\n

Mr Anderson\u2019s chat with the Home Secretary prompted many on social media to voice their concerns about the appropriateness of her being quizzed by a Tory colleague.<\/p>\n

However, in a ruling issued today, the regulator said it would not be taking the complaints any further because Mr Anderson\u2019s GB News show is classified as a \u201ccurrent affairs programme\u201d.<\/p>\n

The MP for Ashfield this morning declared victory in a bullish post on X, formerly Twitter, saying: \u201cWho Knew?<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all did. I am as impartial as they come when it comes to my @GBNEWS role.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: <\/strong> Brussels insider slaps down EU chief Ursula von der Leyen[ANALYSIS] <\/strong><\/p>\n

Lee Anderson refuses to apologise for migrant comment<\/h3>\n

\u201cIn the Chamber though it’s a different matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr Anderson interviewed Ms Braverman, who is the Tory MP for Fareham, on his Real World programme after she returned from a trip to the United States.<\/p>\n

During her visit, she delivered a speech in which she controversially said \u201csimply being gay, or a woman\u201d should not by itself guarantee protection under international refugee laws.<\/p>\n

The segment, which was aired on September 29, triggered more than 1,600 complaints.<\/p>\n

Ofcom\u2019s rules state: \u201cNews, in whatever form, must be reported with due accuracy and presented with due impartiality. No politician may be used as a newsreader, interviewer or reporter in any news programmes unless, exceptionally, it is editorially justified.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, an Ofcom statement issued today explained: \u201cHaving assessed the nature and format of the programme \u2013 which included the combination of a pre-recorded interview, in-depth studio analysis and panel discussion \u2013 we were satisfied it was a current affairs programme.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThe programme included an appropriately wide range of significant views on immigration and border control, which were given due weight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Separately, Ofcom ruled GB News did breach impartiality rules during a programme presented by former Brexit Party MEP Martin Daubney when standing in for Laurence Fox.<\/p>\n

During the broadcast on June 16, Mr Daubney gave his views on immigration and asylum policy in the context of controversy over small boats crossing the English Channel, and also interviewed the leader of the Reform Party, Richard Tice.<\/p>\n

Ofcom said the programme did not meet the “heightened impartiality requirements”, which apply to programmes discussing “matters of major political controversy and current public policy”.<\/p>\n

It said Mr Tice presented his views on the programme “with insufficient challenge” and the “limited alternative views presented in the programme were dismissed”.<\/p>\n

Ofcom added: \u201cThe programme therefore did not include and give due weight to an appropriately wide range of significant views, as required by the Code.<\/p>\n