The BBC will conduct a review of its editorial policies in response to criticism over its handling of the Martin Bashir scandal. EPA
The BBC will conduct a review of its editorial policies in response to criticism over its handling of the Martin Bashir scandal. EPA
The BBC will conduct a review of its editorial policies in response to criticism over its handling of the Martin Bashir scandal. EPA
The BBC will conduct a review of its editorial policies in response to criticism over its handling of the Martin Bashir scandal. EPA

BBC reviews editorial policies in wake of Diana scandal


  • English
  • Arabic

The BBC has announced it will review its editorial policies and governance in the wake of the Martin Bashir scandal.

The British broadcaster's board said the internal probe would be conducted by a group of non-executive directors led by Nick Serota, its senior independent director, and report back by September.

"We must not just assume that mistakes of the past cannot be repeated today – we must make sure that this is the case," the board of governors said.

"We think it is right that we review the effectiveness of the BBC's editorial policies and governance in detail."

Earlier, UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden accused the BBC of having a “we know best attitude”, arguing the broadcaster needed an overhaul to ensure it was in tune with “all parts of the nation it serves”.

The outcome of an inquiry released last week found the BBC covered up allegations about how its former journalist, Martin Bashir, obtained a 1995 interview with the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

Lord Dyson’s report found Mr Bashir used deceit and forged bank statements to convince the princess to be interviewed.

In the Panorama interview, Diana famously said there were "three of us in this marriage" when asked about her relationship with Prince Charles.

The report also found the BBC's own internal probes into longstanding allegations of impropriety by Mr Bashir were "woefully ineffective".

Princes William and Harry, Diana's two sons, have criticised Mr Bashir and the BBC over their conduct and say Mr Bashir's actions contributed to events that led to Diana's death in a car crash nearly two years after the interview.

But Mr Bashir has defended himself, arguing that Diana was eager to speak out and that he should not be held responsible for "many of the other things that were going on in her life".

In his first detailed response to the inquiry, Mr Dowden wrote that the government would not “stand idly by”, arguing that the broadcaster “needs to improve its culture to ensure this never happens again”.

"The BBC can occasionally succumb to a 'we know best' attitude that is detached both from the criticism and the values of all parts of the nation it serves," he wrote in The Times.

“Groupthink in any organisation results in a lack of challenge and poor decision making. That’s why cultural change must be a focus for the director general and new chair.”

His comments come after Home Secretary Priti Patel questioned the broadcaster’s relevance in the era of streaming, warning that the organisation could not carry on with “business as usual”.

Ms Patel refused to rule out the prospect of charges following the inquiry’s findings.

“If there is subsequent action that needs to be taken, then clearly … that will follow,” she said.

Mr Dowden said there were “fundamental questions” about the future of the TV licence fee, paid for by British households.

He also suggested next year there could be new reforms to overhaul the broadcaster and said the BBC needed to “step up to project British values and distinct quality programming with renewed vigour and ambition as our national champion”.

After the report was published, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "I hope very much that the BBC will be taking every possible step to make sure nothing like this ever happens again."

Muguruza's singles career in stats

WTA titles 3

Prize money US$11,128,219 (Dh40,873,133.82)

Wins / losses 293 / 149

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

If you go

The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at. 
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.   

Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Essentials

The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Los Angeles, from Dh4,975 return, including taxes. The flight time is 16 hours. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico and Southwest all fly direct from Los Angeles to San Jose del Cabo from Dh1,243 return, including taxes. The flight time is two-and-a-half hours.

The trip
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic’s eight-day Whales Wilderness itinerary costs from US$6,190 (Dh22,736) per person, twin share, including meals, accommodation and excursions, with departures in March and April 2018.

 

List of alleged parties

 May 15 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at
least 17 staff members

May 20 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'bring your own booze'
party

Nov 27 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff

Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary
Gavin Williamson

Dec 13 2020: PM and Carrie throw a flat party

Dec 14 2020: London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative
Party headquarters

Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz

Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party

While you're here