MP Liam Fox demands showdown talks with BBC chief over ‘biased’ Brexit coverage
International Trade Secretary pens formal letter of complaint to Beeb and accuses corporation of ignoring key stories
LIAM Fox has demanded a showdown with BBC chiefs over its “biased” Brexit coverage.
The International Trade Secretary fired off a letter of complaint to Director General Lord Hall.
In it Dr Fox claims reporters have persistently buried good news about the economy since the leave vote.
He accused the BBC of ditching positive Brexit stories for doom-laden interviews with pro-EU commentators.
Dr Fox, seen battling Lord Hall in our mock-up, above, declares: “I cannot recall a single time in recent times when I have seen good economic news that the BBC did not describe as ‘despite Brexit’.”
In his letter, which has been seen by The Sun on Sunday, he claims there is a “clear pattern of unbalanced reporting of the EU economy” and the work of his department.
He cites cases where he says the BBC has “wilfully” ignored upbeat announcements or economic stats, undermining his efforts to strike trade deals.
Dr Fox told MPs: “It does feel like some elements of our media would rather see Britain fail than see Brexit succeed.”
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Other MPs have accused the BBC of becoming a cheerleader for the EU and Remainers.
The Beeb hit back saying: “No organisation takes coverage of the economy more seriously.
“We do not recognise the characterisation of our coverage outlined in the letter, but the BBC is always happy to talk with politicians as we always do on a regular basis.”
Two stories Liam Fox says BBC failed to cover
JULY 6: Dr Fox says the BBC chose not to report new figures showing a record number of projects in the UK from overseas investors.
This was despite his team calling the BBC’s economics, business and political desks.
JULY 7: Dr Fox flagged up stats showing exports rose by 10.8 per cent.
Instead of covering the story he says the BBC ran a piece about the widening trade deficit.