Complaint
A viewer complained an exchange between two panellists, the Labour MP Lisa Nandy and the commentator Grace Blakeley, left the impression the latter had lied, thereby misrepresenting the facts about the Labour Party and Gaza.  The ECU considered whether there had been a breach of Â鶹Éç standards on accuracy and impartiality.
Outcome
The ECU found no evidence of bias in the management of the debate.  Guests on Question Time often strongly disagree, but audiences understand the distinction between an argument put forward by a panellist and a matter of undisputed fact.  While Ms Nandy did speak at length, prior to her contribution Ms Blakeley was able to put her criticisms of the Labour Party and its leadership without challenge – including the statement which was disputed by Ms Nandy, which concerned the Labour leader’s position on Israel’s right to cut off water and power in Gaza. Neither guest was prevented from putting their point and the nature of their disagreement was clear. Audiences were therefore given sufficient information to judge the issue for themselves.
Not Upheld