BBC apologises for Conservative MP's live TV expletive
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Version 0 of 1. The BBC has been forced to apologise after a Conservative MP swore during a live political TV show. Nick Herbert, a former police minister, used the term "fuckwit" while appearing as one of the guests on BBC2's Daily Politics programme. He initially defended his actions and pointed out that he used the term "disapprovingly" as he quoted from a disparaging comment made by a fellow guest, former police office Peter Kirkham, in reference to Home Secretary Theresa May. Presenter Jo Coburn interrupted Mr Herbert, telling him "we won't have any more of that" and cautioning him to speak "without repeating any of those expletives". At the end of the programme Coburn offered a full apology, saying it was unacceptable and would not be repeated. Explaining his actions on Twitter following the broadcast, Herbert said: "Shame on the former police officer on the prog who used the word to describe the Home Sec and who I was quoting disapprovingly." A BBC spokeswoman said: "Daily Politics is a live programme and, as with any live broadcast, occasionally slip-ups may happen. We apologised to viewers immediately for any offence caused." A number of people expressed their disapproval on Twitter that such language was used on a daytime political discussion. Kirkham later appeared to dispute having used the term, tweeting: "Genuinely don't recall doing so 'a couple of days ago'!" |