Reporting Scotland, ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ One Scotland, 18 July 2024

Complaint

A viewer complained the programme was incorrect in saying the COVID enquiry chair Baroness Hallet had said the Scottish Government failed the citizens of Scotland due to poor preparation. Β The ECU considered this against the standards for accuracy and impartiality set out in the Editorial Guidelines.


Outcome

The report in question included a clip of Baroness Hallett speaking at the Inquiry, in which she said: β€œI have no hesitation in concluding that the processes, planning and policy of the civil contingency structures across the United Kingdom failed the citizens of all four nations”. Β In the ECU’s view the wording used in the report adequately and accurately reflected what Baroness Hallett had said in relation to the Scottish Government’s role in handling the pandemic. Β In a programme dedicated to Scottish issues, targeting a Scottish audience, a focus on criticism of the Scottish Government did not indicate bias.

Not Upheld