BBC speaks out against the government

Sunday, 27 July 2003 12:00 AM

BBC chairman Gavin Davies has urged ministers not to seek revenge on the BBC.

In an article for the Sunday Telegraph Mr Davies explained his fears that some ministers want to inflict some sort of punishment on the Beeb for their handling of the Iraqi dossier affair.

In the article Davies wrote of his concern that there were threats from the government to reduce the funding and independence of the BBC.

"Our integrity is under attack and we are chastised for taking a different view on editorial matters from that of the government and its supporters."

"Because we have had the temerity to do this, it is hinted that a system that has protected the BBC for 80 years should be swept away and replaced by an external regulator that will 'bring the BBC to heel'".

Mr Davies' comments come after Tessa Jowell, the Culture Secretary, admitted that the Hutton inquiry could be used in a forthcoming review of the BBC charter.

However, the department insisted that there is not chance that it would be used to "settle scores".

Another person to speak out about the whole affair was the Leader of the House, Peter Hain.

Writing in The Observer, the minister accused the BBC of acting like a tabloid over this matter.

"Instead of following the agenda, the media are increasingly setting it. We have seen the absolute extreme of this in the recent row between the BBC and the government."

"A story, based on one source, and 'sexed up' to make it more interesting - with the seniority of that source also spun to give the report more credibility - to ensure the greatest embarrassment, in the best traditions of the tabloids, rather than a public service broadcaster."

The BBC stands by its report that the Government presented intelligence information in a way that exaggerated the weapons threat posed by Iraq.

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