BBC release statement after Laura Kuenssberg's 'biased' interview sparked viewer backlash

Laura Kuenssberg was accused of showing bias during an interview with Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (January 21), and the BBC have since released a statement. It comes after Laura, 47, stated that there were “plenty of people” who “might disagree” with her opinions with some viewers claiming she unveiled her own political leanings – but journalists should remain impartial – and her comments sparked some backlash online.

In a statement, the BBC said: “Laura Kuenssberg approached our interview with Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper in the same manner she would any interview with any politician from any political party; by asking Ms Cooper to explain her party’s position on the issues which matter to our audience.

“As Shadow Home Secretary, Laura questioned Ms Cooper on areas which would fall under her remit should Labour win the general election, which included asylum claims and the police response to 999 calls.

“Earlier in the programme, when interviewing Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, Laura had scrutinised the issues of defence spending and recruitment to the military.

“Laura pressed both guests on occasions to gain clarity for our viewers and to address in detail the issues at hand; both guests were given time to make and elaborate on their points.”

bbc release statement after laura kuenssberg's 'biased' interview sparked viewer backlash

Laura Kuenssberg

The broadcaster went on to defend Laura and said it was fair for her to question the fact that some may disagree with the Labour party being elected.

They continued: “When Ms Cooper expressed her view on the importance of Labour being elected, it was fair for Laura to reflect that there are those who would disagree.”

Viewers were in uproar with the interview and line of questioning aimed at the Labour politician and took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to air their grievances.

One person said: “Implicit bias anyone? Also known as implicit prejudice or implicit attitude, is a negative attitude, of which one is not consciously aware. Or are throw away comments at the end of the interview with Yvette Cooper calculated?”

bbc release statement after laura kuenssberg's 'biased' interview sparked viewer backlash

BBC

Another X user expressed: “You only had to watch Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday morning and her performance with Yvette Cooper to know there are examples of bias that Labour can provide of bias….”

During the interview, Laura asked Yvette about making deals with SNP and the number of asylum claims.

The presenter asked her guest if Sir Kier Starmer should visit the First Minister, to which she responded: “I think the people in Scotland want to see a Labour government. We want them to vote Labour to do so,” before elaborating on the topic at hand.

Laura ended the interview by saying: “There are plenty of people who come to the studio who disagree with you, many people watching might disagree with you too, but Yvette Cooper you’ve set out Labour’s position this morning.”

Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg airs on Sundays at 9am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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