Following last night’s debate, the BBC has been lambasted with criticism, not only for the format of the debate but also for the selection of its host Emily Maitlis. Maitlis has come under fire after a series of pro-Remain tweets and attempting to spread an anti-Brexit message.
This was evident in her conduct towards current frontrunner Boris Johnson, attempting to shut him down at every given opportunity. Given that Emily Maitlis’s Brexit views are so out in the open, many have been dismayed that she was chosen to host the debate.
Even prior to last night’s debate Tory MP John Whittingdale, the former Culture Secretary, who oversaw the BBC as part of his role, criticised Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis for not remaining politically neutral.
Mr Whittingdale told The House Magazine: “I have much more problem with, for instance, BBC employees expressing highly political views. I have made several complaints about that.”
Emily Maitlis
Many expect the BBC to report facts and be free from bias in all its forms. The debates bias will only serve to further frustrate Brexiteers who have already been complaining of BBC remain bias.
There have been many examples of Emily Maitlis, who earns around £220,000 per year, spreading anti- Brexit propaganda on her social media platforms. One example is of an article she shared on twitter reading: “Brexit is putting me off this whole ‘will of the people’ idea”.
However, when I shared an article last evening pointing out her bias, I received a furious response from Brexiteers and others alike as well as 179 RT’s and 390 likes. One reply from @glenn_coin read “Never seen this woman before tonight, I found her whole presentation utterly unprofessional. Worst. Interviewer. Ever.”
Many others cited last weeks announcement of the scrapping of free license fees for all over 75’s as well as broader BBC bias as a point of anger. The BBC have refused to comment as to whether Emily Maitlis will face any action following her tweets.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
