Lib Dem MP challenged on Ed Davey's attack on GB News: 'We were the only broadcaster at your conference!'

Launching his attack on GB News during last week's Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Ed told Sir Keir: "A New World investigation into GB News has found hundreds of shocking breaches of the rules of impartiality and accuracy, yet Ofcom has repeatedly refused to take action.

"Andrew Neil says just as Fox basically became the channel of Donald Trump, it is clear they have turned GB News into the Reform channel. We cannot let GB News propaganda turn our great country into their version of Trump's America.

"Either the Government rules aren't fit for purpose or Ofcom isn't properly enforcing them, Prime Minister. Which is it?"

Sir Keir told the Lib Dems leader it is "a matter for Ofcom" and it's "important that we let them deal with it".

Pressed by Ellie on whether she agrees with her party's leader about GB News, Ms Smart insisted: "I'm always delighted to accept the invitation from GB News.

"It's lovely to talk to you this morning and I very much enjoyed speaking with Camilla Tominey when I was at our spring conference the weekend before last."

Ms Smart argued Sir Ed's attack on GB News was simply about achieving "balance" in broadcasting.

As Ellie highlighted GB News was the "only national broadcaster" at the Lib Dem spring conference, the MP responded: "I don't think it's about any individual presenters; what Ed was talking about is to make sure that there's balance.

"I think if you look at the presenter roster, there are some sitting Reform politicians, and so I think it's only right that Ofcom should have a look."

Quizzing Ms Smart further, host Stephen Dixon questioned whether she believes GB News "does provide a balanced outlook".

Agreeing with Stephen, Ms Smart made clear: "I think it's great that you have lots of Lib Dem politicians on, and I think it's good that you have a range of people on.

"I'm really genuinely pleased to be talking to you this morning about how excited we are about the local elections, and I think you're asking perfectly fair questions and I very much enjoyed a couple of conversations I've had with Camilla."

She continued: "But I think looking at the presenter roster, looking at the sort of views that seem to get more of a hearing than others on GB News, I think Ofcom taking a look to making to make sure that there is balance so that your viewers can can be thoroughly informed is absolutely the right thing.

"I think having Nigel Farage and having Lee Anderson as presenters sends a message about the sort of politics that might feel possible on GB News."

Following the attack on the People's Channel, GB News CEO Angelos Frangopoulos penned an open letter to Sir Ed, expressing concern at "the extent of the inaccuracies" in his statement.

The letter read: "I assume these remarks were made in the knowledge that, while highly defamatory of GB News, they were protected by absolute parliamentary privilege.

"Nevertheless, I would hope that you would not have made such serious allegations without having read the New World report in full and undertaken appropriate due diligence regarding its claims. I was therefore concerned by the extent of the inaccuracies in your statement.

"It is therefore inaccurate and irresponsible to assert that GB News has been found in breach of impartiality or accuracy rules 'hundreds of times', as no such record exists. We note, moreover, that you did not voice any concerns about GB News’ supposed bias last week when it was the only national broadcaster to cover your party’s Spring Conference."

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