Watchdog says it will follow Diana Panorama investigation ‘closely’

TV watchdog Ofcom will not launch its own investigation into the BBC Panorama controversy, but says it will follow the independent inquiry “closely”.

The BBC has appointed a retired judge, Lord Dyson, former Master of the Rolls, to lead an investigation into the Diana, Princess of Wales scoop.

The Duke of Cambridge has welcomed the investigation, saying it “should help establish the truth behind the actions” that led to the programme.

Ofcom said it “does not have regulatory remit to investigate” the issues under the charter.

“However, we think it is essential that the BBC ensures that the concerns raised about this programme are investigated thoroughly,” it said in a letter to the broadcaster.

“One of the BBC’s public purposes is to ensure that its news and factual content is provided to the ‘highested i tor ia l standards’.

“It is important that the BBC holds itself to account, openly and transparently, in relation to historic allegations of failing to achieve those standards.

“This is necessary to maintain trust and confidence in the BBC’s journalism and editorial practices.”

“Historic events can have a long-term effect on the way the BBC’s content is perceived today.

“Therefore, we welcome your announcement yesterday of a fully independent inquiry, to be led by Lord Dyson, into the events surrounding the making of the original programme, as well as the BBC’s investigation of it in 1995 and 1996.

“We will follow the inquiry and its conclusions closely.”

The BBC said the investigation will begin straight away and seek to discover what steps the broadcaster and Martin Bashir took to land the interview.

The investigation comes after Diana’s brother Earl Spencer alleged that he was shown “false bank statements” by Bashir and they were used to help the reporter gain access to the princess.

Martin Bashir.