BBC chief faces barrage of criticism from Tory MPs over Hamas reporting

Minister Robert Jenrick tells director-general Tim Davie he has 'never been so disappointed in the corporation in his life'

BBC director-general Tim Davie has faced a barrage of criticism from Conservative MPs over the corporation’s long-time refusal to label Hamas as terrorists.

The BBC chief held a behind-closed-doors meeting with members of the 1922 Committee on Wednesday evening, and was told by immigration minister Robert Jenrick he has “never been so disappointed in the corporation in his life” over its coverage of the October 7th atrocities.

Jenrick was, according to those inside the meeting, one of the most vociferous critics of the BBC’s conduct.

According to the Telegraph, the minister went on: “That loss of confidence began with the BBC’s refusal to call Hamas terrorists. Will you reconsider that, and change your editorial policy?”

Robert Jenrick. (Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

But Jenrick’s challenge was challenged as Davie insisted there was no ban on the word “terrorist”, although the decision to repeatedly label Hamas as “militants” infuriated many in the Jewish community.

The BBC insists it does not call Hamas “terrorists” without attributing the word to others using it.

Davie’s appearance before the committee had been arranged in July as part of regular discussions with parliamentarians.

Tory MP Natalie Elphicke was among those to also question Davie on the BBC’s coverage of small boat crossings.