Complaint
In a discussion about antisemitism Labourβs Douglas Alexander claimed that βmalignant minority voicesβ had been amplified by a previous leader of the party. A viewer complained this was stated as an incontrovertible fact rather than an opinion and should have been challenged. The ECU considered whether this was in breach of the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Guidelines on Accuracy.Β
Outcome
It was clear to viewers that Mr Alexander believed his characterisation of events was the right one, but it did not follow that they would have assumed this opinion was universally shared. Β At the point the remark was made, the ECU noted the programme had already heard a range of voices on this subject β and that it would therefore have been understood that there were a range of different positions and that Mr Alexander was stating an opinion which was part of the debate rather than stating an uncontested fact.Β
Not Upheld