The BBC has been embroiled in another spat over impartiality after a Radio Four presenter was caught saying ‘I like Wes Streeting’ on the broadcast.
The blunder occurred after a interview with the leader of the Royal College of Nursing, Pat Cullen, about the forthcoming nurses’ strikes.
The Radio 4 presenter, presumably Simon Jack, unaware that his mike was still on, was heard to express his affection for the Labor shadow secretary.
Mr Streeting, who has held the position since 2021, said earlier this week that he refused to support nurses’ strikes that would see nurses drop patient safety measures.
The microphone mishap occurred as a report of the fierce fighting taking place across Sudan had begun.
The Radio 4 presenter, believed to be Simon Jack (pictured), unaware his microphone was still on, was told he loved the Labor shadow secretary
Shadow health secretary (pictured with Labor leader Kier Starmer) said earlier this week he refused to support strike action by nurses, which would see nurses drop patient safety measures
The BBC’s Mayeni Jones was heard saying, ‘People all over Sudan have had to adjust their plans for Eid’, when a louder voice spoke over him, claiming ‘I love Wes Streeting’.
Radio 4 listeners were quick to point out the error, with viewers doubting whether it was Mr Jack or the other presenter, Justin Webb.
Labor MP Diane Abbott, who sat in the cabinet under the party’s former leader Jeremy Corbyn, wrote: ‘Justin Webb just says (unaware his microphone is on) ‘I love Wes Streeting”.
Others, however, corrected her by claiming that Mr. Jack was speaking. One of them said: ‘BBC Radio 4 microphone not switched off. “I love Wes Streeting.” Sounded like Simon Jack.’
Another said: ‘Did I just tell Simon Jack ‘I like Wes Streeting’ on BBC Radio 4 Today when he thought his mic was off?’
Other listeners said the accident called into question the BBC’s impartiality rules.
One said: ‘Weird moment on BBC Radio 4 Today as Simon Jack says ‘I like Wes Streeting’ thinking his mic is off.
Mr Streeting has been the shadow secretary for health and social care since November 2021
Radio Vier listeners quickly pointed out the error this morning, with many speculating which presenter it was
“A greater breach of impartiality than Lineaker supporting refugees?”
Another joked: ‘After the “I like Wes Streeting” slip on Radio 4 Today, I wonder how they’ll “balance”: listen very carefully.’
A third added: ‘Simon Jack says “I like Wes Streeting” on BBC Radio 4 Today in an accidental off-air commentary.
“Presumably Justin Webb had said ‘I hate Wes Streeting’ or ‘I love Steve Barclay’ to maintain the BBC’s famous impartiality?”
Mr Jack has been the BBC’s business editor since 2016 and has worked as a reporter for the broadcaster since 2003.
Labor MP Diane Abbott, who sat in cabinet under the party’s former leader Jeremy Corbyn, tweeted the blunder, claiming it was presenter Justin Webb who made the mistake – but others quickly suggested it was Mr Jack
Listeners said the accident called into question the BBC’s impartiality rules, leading to questions about Labor bias
In addition, he regularly presents the business slots for Radio 4’s program Today, and more recently he is a co-presenter of the morning news show.
Last month, the BBC was gripped by another impartiality spat, after Match Of The Day Host, and former footballer, Gary Lineker, 62, was taken off the air for a tweet denouncing the language used to break the illegal migration law of the government has been compared to 1930s Germany.
It shows a backlash from BBC staff with hosts and pundits refusing to take part in the country’s premier football show until Mr Lineker was allowed back on air.
As a result, the BBC took a U-turn, even apologizing to the former footballer and vowing to review social media guidelines.
The BBC has been contacted for a statement.
