Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

John Sergeant slams BBC over Naga Munchetty complaint

A VETERAN broadcaster has slammed the BBC for its handling of complaints against host Naga Munchetty.

John Sergeant, a former political correspondent with the BBC, said the controversy should have been dealt with quietly.


Munchetty was disciplined following a conversation on air in July where she criticised Trump for asking female members of the Democratic Party to go back to their own countries.

The BBC originally ruled that Munchetty had broken the rules saying “her comments went beyond what the guidelines allow for.”  The decision was overturned by director general Tony Hall after an outcry.

Commenting on how BBC handled the issue, Sergeant, 75, told Radio Times magazine:

"This was badly handled by BBC management and I'm not surprised that there have been angry comments from staff at closed meetings."

He added: "The corporation has been accused of institutional racism. There have rightly been criticisms of the way Dan Walker wasn't even involved in the original ruling, even though he was clearly egging on Naga to give her personal views.

"It looked to me like the return of our old friend: incompetence."

He added that complaints should be answered "without slapping down the presenters in public, or trying to establish overly strict ground rules from on high.”

Last week, television regulator Ofcom ruled that Munchetty's comments suggesting the US president was being "racist" did not breach official TV rules.

It also said the BBC Breakfast programme on which Munchetty made the remarks "did not raise issues warranting an investigation by it".

In July she expressed concern over Trump's comments that  four congresswoman should “go back” to the “places from which they came.”

Speaking about her own experiences, Munchetty said Trump's comments made her "furious."

"Every time I have been told, as a woman of colour, to go back to where I came from, that was embedded in racism," she said, adding: “Now I’m not accusing anyone of anything here, but you know what certain phrases mean.”

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less