BBC Impartiality

EDM number 115 in 1996-97, proposed by John Gunnell on 31/10/1996.

That this House congratulates the BBC on its thorough, well informed and, in general, politically well-balanced coverage of news and current affairs; notes that Sir Stanley Kalms is a generous donor to the Conservative Party, was vice-presid ent of the 45th Conservative Party Winter Ball fundraiser, is in charge of a Conservative Party Unit seeking business endorsements and is actively involved in the production of Co nservative Party campaigning material; in light of this, considers that Sir Stanley cannot be considered impartial on matters of party political debate; consequently expresses serious concern about the BBC's use of Sir Stanley as an expert business commentator in a 6 o'clock news report on the recent interest rate rise as well as in other news reports; and calls upon the BBC to take action to ensure that the political impatiality for which it is rightly renowned is extended throughout its news coverage.

This motion has been signed by a total of 62 MPs.