BBC launches inquiry into Humphrys speech
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.He is also accused of reopening the wounds over the "sexing up" of the Iraq intelligence report by claiming the BBC was right about it.
Humphrys, 62, allegedly made the comments during an after-dinner speech to the Communication Directors' Forum on 8 June. It is claimed that he made disparaging remarks about Tony Blair, John Prescott, Peter Mandelson, Gordon Brown and Alastair Campbell, Downing Street's former communications chief. He also allegedly endorsed Andrew Gilligan's Today report, which accused the Government of using false intelligence to "sex up" Iraq's weapons of mass destruction capabilities.
That broadcast led to a stand off between the BBC and Mr Campbell, culminating in the suicide of Dr David Kelly and the Hutton report, which heavily criticised the BBC. Humphrys apparently said: "The fact is, we got it right."
Humphrys said the claims made in The Times "grossly misrepresented" what he said. "Everything I said was meant with great affection for politicians," he said. "It was a good-humoured, light-hearted speech. I don't think that all politicians are liars."
A spokesman for the BBC's chairman, Michael Grade, said: "Michael Grade has seen reports of what John Humphrys may or may not have said and has asked the director general for a full report, including a transcript, as soon as possible."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments