Ed Davey: BBC must ‘turn a new leaf’ and resist Farage-style attacks on its independence

EMBARGO: Immediate release

Responding to news that the BBC director general Tim Davie and CEO of News Deborah Turness have resigned, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, said

“The BBC isn’t perfect, but it remains one of the few institutions standing between our British values and a populist, Trump-style takeover of our politics.

"The resignations of Tim Davie and Deborah Turness must be an opportunity for the BBC to turn a new leaf, rebuild trust and not give in to the likes of Nigel Farage who want to destroy it.

"As a public service broadcaster, the BBC’s role is vital in ensuring our democracy is based on facts, scrutiny, and accountability.

"We must stand up for a free press, free speech, and a strong, independent BBC, to stop Trump’s America becoming Farage’s Britain.”

ENDS