The BBC made a serious mistake when it edited the speech made by Donald Trump on the day of the shocking attack on the US Capitol. The error should never have happened, and the apology should have come sooner. I am relieved that the BBC has owned up to it and promised to look honestly at what went wrong and how to prevent anything like it happening again.

But let’s not allow this mistake to become an excuse for a political feeding frenzy. And we absolutely cannot let Donald Trump use it as a weapon against one of Britain’s most trusted public institutions, respected the world over. The BBC is far more than entertainment. Its natural history programmes, hard-hitting journalism and classic comedy have shaped our culture and united the nation. In an increasingly polarised media landscape, it remains one of the last bastions of impartiality and integrity, occasional lapses notwithstanding. That is exactly why it must be defended.

The Prime Minister should make it crystal clear that the BBC belongs to all of us. When it slips up, of course it should be held accountable. But it should not be thrown onto the bonfire of Trump’s vanity or used as a prop in someone else’s political theatre.

What troubles me most is the hostile climate the BBC is now forced to work in. The moment anything goes wrong - even when corrected quickly - there are people ready to declare the entire organisation beyond saving. Some would love nothing more than to weaken or even dismantle public service broadcasting altogether. That would be a huge blow to our democracy and to the health of our national conversation.

If we want a strong BBC, we must insist on proper governance and genuine independence. Politics has no place in its leadership. The Chair and senior board roles should not be thank you gifts for political allies or opportunities for partisan figures to climb the ladder. A broadcaster funded by the public should answer to the public, not to any political party.

The BBC is often criticised for lack of political balance. Too often extreme or inflammatory voices get more airtime than they merit. But many on the left believe the BBC leans right, while many on the right think it leans left. That is not bias - it is a sign of balance.

A free and independent media is essential to holding power to account, including MPs like me. Local radio, world-class science and arts programming and educational content used by millions enrich our lives, strengthen our democracy and help us understand our world.

So yes, let us demand high standards from the BBC. But let us also stand firm against attempts by Trump, Musk, Farage and others to tear it down. In an age awash with misinformation, the answer is more and better impartial journalism, not less.

Featured Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

 
A few of the things I've done this week...

✅ Spoke at a Lib Dems annual dinner in Taunton, Somerset

✅ Spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on the impact of land use change (for example, solar farms) on food security

✅Did a “fireside chat” interview with Cllr Gavin Grant at the Lib Dems Western Counties Conference in Bristol, talking about my environmental campaigning on the oceans, and my work as an MP

✅ Meeting with NHS Gloucestershire to discuss the future of the day surgical unit at Cirencester Hospital

✅ Made my submission to the Planning Inspectorate on the Lime Down Solar Park – make sure you do yours too, before the 9th January deadline!

✅ Dropped in at a session on energy bills and affordability

✅ Ongoing work with relevant agencies to mitigate flooding in various flooding hotspots across the constituency

✅ Casework included helping a resident get their Universal Credit restored after it was stopped, and helping a homeless person secure a home in the village where he’d grown up

✅ Made my submission to the Planning Inspectorate on the Lime Down Solar Park – make sure you do yours too, before the 9th January deadline!

✅ Stood in as Lib Dem environment spokesperson in the debate to ratify the Global Oceans Treaty (technically known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill) – a huge step forward in the protection of the world’s international waters

✅ Enjoyed a gig by local band Tru Grit

 
And a reminder that you can check out sources of funding for local projects on our Stronger South Cotswolds website!

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Flooding Resilience Petition
 
I know how deeply flooding has affected residents across the South Cotswolds and have been actively working on the ground to address the issue. Alongside this, I have been working behind the scenes with local authorities and agencies to drive forward action and hold those responsible to account, and making sure this remains a priority in Parliament.

Show your support for the campaign by signing our petition today…

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Quote of the Week
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.”

-- Winston Churchill

Have a great week!! 

Roz Savage MP