BBC vows to fight Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit over Panorama edit – latest

The BBC said it would fight a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump over edited clips of a speech that appeared to lead his supporters to attack the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

A BBC spokesman said: “As we have made clear previously, we will defend this case. We will not be commenting further on ongoing legal proceedings.” he said.

Rishi Sunak testifies about the Covid-19 inquiry for the second day.

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Here are today’s headlines in politics, other than Trump’s trial:

• The health minister accused doctors who voted to continue a five-day strike in the run-up to Christmas as “self-indulgent” and “dangerous”

• Reform UK announces plans to cut 68,500 civil service jobs if party wins next general election

• A new free trade agreement between the UK and South Korea has successfully averted impending tariffs on British exports

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced that the government will consider reforming the license fee as part of the renewal of the BBC’s royal charter.

The Charter sets out the BBC’s public purpose and forms the constitutional basis for the corporation, which is funded by the license fee paid by UK households that predominantly watch TV.

The government will look at whether to update license fee concessions, options for the BBC to generate more commercial revenue, as well as funding the BBC World Service to support sustainable funding for broadcasting in minority languages.

Culture Minister Lisa Nandy launched the once-a-decade review on Tuesday, saying: “We want the BBC to continue to enrich people’s lives in the future, telling Britain’s story and showcasing our values ​​and culture at home and abroad.

“My aims for the charter review are clear. The BBC must be fiercely independent, accountable and able to maintain the public trust. It must reflect the whole of the UK, remain an engine of economic growth and be funded in a sustainable and fair way for audiences.”

“As a government, we will ensure that this charter review is a catalyst to help the BBC adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape and secure its role at the heart of national life.”

The BBC is right to “stand firm” against a libel lawsuit against Donald Trump, a minister has said.

Stephen Kinnock also said the public broadcaster was “very clear that there is no case to answer” when it comes to libel accusations.

He told Sky News: “I think they apologized for one or two errors that were made in the Panorama programme, but they were also very clear that there was no case to answer Mr Trump’s accusations of libel or libel more broadly.”

“So you know, I think it’s right for the BBC to insist on this point.

“Yes, there were some mistakes made in that part of the movie, but I think they present a broader argument that they are right to stick to their guns on this, and I hope they continue to do so.”

Sir Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure to intervene after President Donald Trump sued the BBC for libel over its Panorama edit.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called on the prime minister to “defend the BBC against Trump’s outrageous legal threat”.

Sir Ed said: “Keir Starmer needs to defend the BBC against Trump’s outrageous legal threat and protect license fee payers from being hit in the pocket.

“The Trump administration has made clear that they want to interfere with our democracy, including undermining our national broadcaster. The Prime Minister needs to make clear that this is unacceptable.”

Minister Stephen Kinnock said Labor would “always defend the BBC as a vital institution” but insisted it was an “independent organisation”.

Asked whether Sir Keir Starmer should defend the broadcaster against Mr Trump’s threats, Mr Kinnock told Sky News: “It is absolutely true that the BBC is an independent organisation.

“I think they apologized for one or two mistakes that were made in this regard. Panorama But they were also very clear that there was no case to answer in terms of Mr. Trump’s accusations of libel or slander more broadly.

“I think it is right for the BBC to be firm on this point. They are right to stick to their guns on this issue.”

He added: “The Government is a huge supporter of the BBC. Labor will always support the BBC as a vital institution both in our political life and, of course, in entertaining and informing the British public.”

Today’s news comes at a time of economic bleakness for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The UK economy shrank by 0.1 percent in October; This means it has not grown since June.

Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chamber of Commerce, said the latest data paints a “gloomy picture” reflecting the uncertainty businesses have about hiring.

“The latest data paints a bleak picture in terms of employment, opportunities and growth,” he said.

“This reflects what businesses are telling us: they are less confident about hiring staff due to very high employment costs and the coming wave of new employment legislation.

“While there has been some easing of cost pressures – with average earnings including bonuses falling to 4.7 per cent in the three months to October – labor costs remain a problem. Almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of our country’s businesses latest survey He said that the biggest cost pressure they face is labor costs.

“There is a limit to the amount of additional costs firms can absorb without affecting investment and growth. Further increases in unemployment, which reached 5.1 percent in October, are also a clear sign of the economy’s stagnation.”

“We need a laser-like focus to stimulate growth and boost investment, trade, innovation and skills. The government must work in partnership with business to make 2026 a year of delivery.”