Complaint
In this edition the Green Party Leader Zack Polanski was questioned about his sharing of an image on social media which featured a guillotine and the caption “we’re only making plans for Nigel” – taken by Reform UK as a reference to its leader Nigel Farage. Three viewers complained a quote was then read out by Newsnight’s Political Editor from an unnamed Reform UK source condemning Mr Polanski’s refusal to apologise, which they said demonstrated bias. The ECU considered the complaint against the standards for impartiality set out in the BBC Editorial Guidelines.
Outcome
The ECU did not agree the sequence lacked impartiality. Reform UK, having previously criticised Mr Polanski, was not represented in the programme, and it was reasonable to include its reaction. Mr Polanski was given an opportunity to respond. The ECU noted it was not unusual for statements on behalf of political parties to be made by a spokesperson and attributed anonymously.
Not Upheld
