2004 press releases

Local MP Calls Upon BBC To Maintain Investigative News Approach In Wake Of Hutton Report

Lewes MP Norman Baker has tabled a Motion in the House of Commons calling upon the BBC to safeguard its excellent reputation for investigative news reporting. Norman's motion follows the publication last week of the Hutton Report into the death of government scientist, Dr David Kelly, which heavily criticised the conduct of BBC journalists and now places considerable pressure upon the BBC to reform its news operations. Norman's Motion appeals to fellow MPs to back his calls for the BBC to ensure that it remains committed to its current approach which seeks to report on important issues, regardless of political concerns.

Commenting on his motion, Norman says:

"I have tabled this motion because I am very concerned that the BBC, under immense pressure from the government to reform its reporting guidelines, will now feel compelled to steer away in future from reporting on issues which could upset politicians.

"The BBC has an excellent international reputation for fair and accurate news reporting whose remit must not be restricted by a fear of offending politicians. They perform a vital public service by reporting on important issues and events without boundaries or censorship; it is in everyone's interest that they continue to do so."

ENDS

The full text of Norman's motion (Early Day Motion number 508- BBC AND THE HUTTON REPORT) reads:

"That this House notes that, while the BBC must learn lessons from the Hutton Inquiry, it remains in the public interest for the BBC to pursue a policy of vigorous investigative journalism, and that it should not react to its present difficulties by steering away from the genuine stories which if aired might offend leading politicians."

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