The ECHO asked a government minister what he thought of the BBC's decision to interview the former S*n editor to discuss ongoing issues at the corporation
Ex-S*n editor Kelvin MacKenzie in 2010
Ex-S*n editor Kelvin MacKenzie in 2010(Image: BPM)
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Health Secretary Wes Streeting has condemned the BBC’s decision to include the views of former S*n editor Kelvin MacKenzie in a news item about journalist standards.
Mr MacKenzie oversaw the newspaper’s shameful coverage of the Hillsborough disaster which wrongly blamed Liverpool fans for the tragedy. However, after the BBC’s director general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness resigned, the corporation included him as part of a discussion around bias and journalistic standards. Mr MacKenzie's interview appeared as part of a package that featured the views of media industry figures on Sunday evening (November 9).
This clip was then featured again on BBC Breakfast the following morning. The decision prompted a complaint from Liverpool FC as well as Hillsborough survivor and West Derby MP Ian Byrne.
This morning, Mr Streeting spoke to staff and patients at the Paddington Community Diagnostic Centre in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, which provides tests and scans for a wide range of health conditions.
While he was here, the ECHO asked Mr Streeting about his thoughts on the BBC’s decision. He said: “I think, given his track record, and given The S*n’s absolutely despicable coverage following the Hillsborough disaster, asking Kelvin MacKenzie to advise on media ethics is a bit like asking Dracula to come in and advise on running the blood bank.
“It's completely inappropriate. I do think it's offensive to families that have suffered at the hands of that - you can't even call it journalism. I think the BBC have made a really bad call here and to be honest have made a bad situation worse for themselves.”
The resignations came after it was claimed that a BBC Panorama programme broadcast before the last US Presidential election misled viewers by editing a speech from President Donald Trump to make it look like he was explicitly urging people to attack the US Capitol building on January 6, 2021.
Currently, the Hillsborough Law, officially known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, is going through Parliament.
Introduced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer after campaigning from the families of the 97, as well as those affected by other tragedies such as Grenfell, the landmark legislation would hold public officials and authorities accountable for their actions with a new professional and legal duty of candour - meaning they must act with honesty and integrity at all times or face criminal sanctions if they attempt to cover up the facts behind disasters.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting talks to staff member Stephanie Rose during a visit to Paddington Community Diagnostic Centre in Liverpool this morning
Health Secretary Wes Streeting talks to staff member Stephanie Rose during a visit to Paddington Community Diagnostic Centre in Liverpool this morning
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Mr Streeting referred to the Hillsborough Law specifically as he mounted a strong defence of the government’s record.
Recent opinion polls appear to show that support for Labour and the Prime Minister has plummeted in recent months, with many previously loyal supporters of the party saying they will vote for Reform and the Greens at the next election.
Mr Streeting said: “One of the nice things about being back in Liverpool is, although I'm in East London, it does feel like being back on home turf, because this city has stuck with Labour through thick and thin.
“I want people here to know we never take your support for granted. We never assume that you'll just vote Labour because you always have. And we know that we need to repay the trust you put in us at the last election with hard work and resolve.
“And that's why I can stand here confidently today, not even 18 months into a Labour government, and say that NHS waiting lists are falling, ambulances are arriving faster, but also thanks to the decisions we've taken on free school meals, there are going to be 100,000 fewer kids in poverty. We are expanding access to free childcare, which really helps parents in their pocket.
“We've got to shift the dial in this country in favour of working class people. Look at that historic Hillsborough Law.
“Let me tell you, not only is that a testament to the families of the 97 and all of those campaigners who fought so hard for truth and justice - I have met so many victims of NHS negligence and failures and scandals and coverups who are going to benefit from this law, and I think many other people are.
“You wouldn't have got that with any other government. You do get it with the Labour government because a Labour government is forged on the values that unite the people of Liverpool and right across Merseyside.”
The ECHO contacted the BBC on Monday to ask for a response to the criticism to feature Mr MacKenzie in the two news items. A spokesperson for the corporation offered no such response.
The spokesperson only pointed out that Mr MacKenzie had not been a live guest on the BBC and that the footage of him had initially been broadcast on Sunday evening.