Trump-BBC live updates: Tim Davie urges staff to ‘fight for our journalism’ amid US president’s $1bn legal threat

• Tim Davie began by acknowledging that it’s been a “tough few days” and added that “we all need to look out for each other and make sure we put everything in context.”

• He insisted the BBC would “evolve”, saying the narrative would “not just be given by our enemies”.

• Distancing from his personal decision to step down, he said the BBC was “more than one person” and praised the work being done across the organisation, saying “all our actions are together and we work every day and do our job”.

• He said the BBC “needs to be very open and defend our journalism”, saying the “free press is under pressure” and insisting the BBC “must fight for our journalism”.

• Davie said he was “extremely proud” even though the mistakes “cost us” and said his work “speaks louder than any newspaper, any armament.”

• Talking about his decision to resign, he said the brutality of the role, the upcoming Charter renewal and criticism of the Panorama documentary about Trump were contributing factors.

Some Labor supporters have called on culture secretary Lisa Nandy to remove Sir Robbie Gibb, Theresa May’s former political adviser during her premiership, from the BBC Board.

Responding to a question from Labor MP Sarah Owen (Luton North), Ms Nandy said: “The contract sets out a strict legal threshold that must be met before a board member can be dismissed and therefore I am unable to pursue her proposed course of action.”

But this was only the latest in a series of controversies and scandals that have hit the broadcaster in recent years, with accusations of institutional bias leveled at it from both sides of the political spectrum.

US president Donald Trump said on Monday he had an “obligation” to sue the BBC for misrepresenting his comments ahead of the attacks on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

“Well, I guess I have an obligation to do it,” Trump said in an interview on Fox News.

Mark Stephens says the US president’s threat to sue Auntie for her January 6 reporting may excite his base, but legally it’s a non-starter. The real risk lies in how the publisher will react.

A media lawyer has revealed the “significant legal hurdles” Donald Trump faces in suing the BBC.

The US president has threatened to sue the broadcasting company for $1 billion following criticism over how a speech he gave was edited and used in a Panorama documentary.

Media lawyer Mark Stephens appeared on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday (November 11) to discuss the obstacles the US president may face.

He explained: “The defamation claim in the UK has now expired. Panorama had one year from Monday 28 October 2024 when it was published, so it is approximately 14 days out of statute in the UK.”

Many people questioned the BBC’s response to the leaked memo, saying the company failed to “properly defend itself” or apologize for the criticism.

Katie Razzall, the BBC’s culture and media editor, said the broadcaster had a “ready to go” statement and accepted it should have made it clear that additions had been made to the speech, but the board instead decided to send a letter to parliament’s culture, media and sport committee.

It was also reported that Ms Turness was “torn apart” at a board meeting last week. Telegram reports.

former editor Sun The newspaper described the resignations as a “coup” and an “inside job”.

A former Downing Street communications chief claimed the broadcaster had not defended itself properly, saying: “We live in a fast-moving digital world where there are a lot of people who want to attack the BBC and what we are seeing is that a vacuum has really been created.

“It has been clear for days that the BBC must step in, explain, apologize and move on.”

Sir Robbie Gibb’s position on the BBC board is being questioned amid accusations of bias at the broadcaster.

Prior to his appointment to the editorial board, Sir Robbie served as Theresa May’s communications director while she was at Downing Street as the Conservative prime minister.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney said his position fueled doubts and debate about the BBC’s independence and impartiality.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Sir Robbie should be removed from the board immediately.

SNP leader Mr Swinney told LBC: “Robbie Gibb is a political figure on the BBC board who is very clearly committed to the party.

“If the BBC wants to be seen as an authoritative and impartial organisation, reflecting the independence of commentary, then I think Robbie Gibb’s position is untenable.”

Inside GuardSir Ed wrote that Sir Robbie should not have a say in choosing the BBC’s next director general.