In a heated parliamentary session, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to dismiss BBC board member Robbie Gibb, citing concerns over the broadcaster’s independence and impartiality. Gibb, a former communications director for Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May, was appointed to the BBC board by Boris Johnson. His tenure has been marred by accusations of political interference in editorial decisions and staff appointments. Davey emphasized the critical importance of the BBC’s neutrality, particularly in light of recent controversies, including a $1 billion lawsuit threat from former US President Donald Trump over the editing of his January 6, 2021, speech for the BBC’s Panorama program. Davey also highlighted the previous Conservative government’s alleged efforts to undermine the BBC, pointing to Gibb’s continued presence on the board as a symbol of this interference. Prime Minister Starmer acknowledged the previous government’s actions but did not commit to removing Gibb. The controversy surrounding Gibb intensified following claims that he has been a driving force behind accusations of systemic bias at the BBC. Additionally, Gibb’s involvement with the Jewish Chronicle, which has been criticized for publishing allegedly fabricated stories about Israel and Gaza, has further fueled calls for his resignation. Over 400 cultural figures have signed a letter demanding his removal, and former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger has questioned his role on the BBC’s editorial standards committee. The BBC has faced accusations of both pro-Israel and anti-Israel bias, with a recent report from the Centre For Media Monitoring highlighting disparities in coverage of Israeli and Palestinian fatalities. Meanwhile, BBC Middle East editor Raffi Berg is embroiled in a legal battle with journalist Owen Jones over allegations of promoting ‘systematic Israeli propaganda’ within the broadcaster. Berg has denied these claims, but the controversy underscores the ongoing challenges facing the BBC’s credibility and independence.