BBC’S Simpson nets £20,000 for hosting two ‘external’ events

JOHN SIMPSON earned more than £20,000 in two days for hosting nonbbc events, according to figures published by the corporation.

The veteran world affairs editor was paid more than £10,000 for speaking at a gas industry conference in September.

The following day he was paid more than £10,000 to appear on a panel in support of Jimmy Lai, the billionaire Hong Kong newspaper owner and prodemocracy campaigner jailed by the Chinese authorities. The event was organised by Doughty Street Chambers.

Simpson is the highest earner on the BBC’S external events register, which is published quarterly.

Also in September, Naga Munchetty, the BBC Breakfast presenter earned £5,000 to £10,000 for hosting the Business Woman Awards, while Amol Rajan, the BBC’S media editor, earned the same for speaking at a Citywire event.

Simpson no longer appears on the BBC’S annual list of its highest earners, although when it was first published in 2017 he was revealed to be paid more than £150,000.

The BBC’S editorial guidelines allow employees to carry out extra engagements provided they do not compromise the BBC’S integrity or impartiality.