Rap for BBC duo over flag row
BBC chiefs have spoken to two presenters after they appeared to mock a minister for the size of a Union flag in his office.
Seventeen Tory backbenchers wrote to Director-General Tim Davie urging a rebuke for BBC Breakfast hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty.
Their joint letter also demanded an apology from the pair.
In his response Mr Davie said: “The BBC is proud to be British. We take your comments seriously. I am sorry if you felt that we fell short on this occasion.”
During the interview on Thursday, the presenters drew attention to the Union flag and a picture of the Queen visible behind Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.
Mr Stayt said: “I think your flag is not up to standard size, Government-interview measurements.
“I think it’s just a little bit small, but that’s your department really. It’s just a thought.” Ms Munchetty was seen attempting to stifle her laughter.
She said: “There’s always a flag.” She later apologised for liking tweets referencing their interview and the flag.
Richard Frediani, the editor of BBC Breakfast, said: “Naga and Charlie have been spoken to and reminded of their responsibilities, including the BBC’s impartiality and social media guidelines.”
The letter was coordinated by Brendan Clarke-Smith, the Tory MP for Bassetlaw.
He said: “They were disrespectful. It also suggested a certain attitude in the BBC. There is a lot of anger about this. Some people are apoplectic.”