Complaint
A viewer complained that the presenter used language 鈥渨eaponised by transphobes鈥 when discussing issues related to gender recognition. 聽The ECU considered whether the programme met 大象传媒 standards of impartiality.
Outcome
In the ECU鈥檚 view聽 the evidence did not support the complainant鈥檚 assertion that Ms Kuenssberg 鈥渁ttempted to brow beat every guest until they gave her the biased answer she wanted鈥. In the case of the main interview with Sir Keir Starmer, there was a clear editorial justification for asking whether he supported the legislation on gender recognition passed by the Scottish government and asking him to clarify his views on the issues. 聽He was given ample time and opportunity to respond to the questions which were put to him and to explain what he considered to be the important and relevant considerations. 聽A similar approach was taken in the subsequent studio discussion with the actor Brian Cox, Caroline Nokes MP who chairs the Commons Women and Equalities Committee, and the chair of Nat West Group, Sir Howard Davies. 聽Both Mr Cox and Ms Nokes were allowed to express their views without interruption and Ms Kuenssberg鈥檚 questions were editorially justified, designed to draw out her guests鈥 views on some of the key elements of the debate. 聽In the ECU鈥檚 view her questions were couched in appropriate, respectful language.
Not Upheld