BBC under pressure to apologise to Nigel Farage over false claims about bank account closure

THE BBC faced mounting pressure earlier today to say sorry to Nigel Farage over false claims about his bank account closure.

Former Cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg insisted: “The BBC must apologise for getting a story wrong.”

It came after BBC business editor Simon Jack quoted an anonymous source claiming Mr Farage was not rich enough for an account at NatWest-owned Coutts.

He had sat next to NatWest CEO Dame Angela Rose at a dinner the previous evening.

Mr Farage subsequently proved his account was cancelled because of his political views.

Mr Jack made a correction to his story online but has not yet said sorry to the former Ukip leader.

Last night a respected former BBC newsreader called on the Beeb to climbdown.

Dame Alison has already apologised to Mr Farage

Nicholas Owen said: “Simon Jack is a good journalist and if he sits next to a banker who gives him a line on the Nigel Farage story, well of course he’s going to go with that.

“It’s a jolly good source. But if that source turns out to be wrong, then for goodness sake, just put your hand up.”

He told GB News: “Simon, come on lad, just say ‘sorry’. Sometimes your instincts are proved to be wrong, so admit it.”

The Treasury has summoned major banks for a meeting over the account closure row.

City minister Andrew Griffith said there was “significant concern” over accounts being shut down due to political views.

He warned he will “take the action necessary” to protect freedom of expression”.