MPs call on BBC not to axe lunchtime politics show Politics Live as corporation makes cuts across its news division
- Presenter Andrew Neil, said he may be ‘surplus to requirements’ at the BBC
- It has since emerged the BBC is reviewing the show and could be dropped
- But leading politicians were critical of any potential moves to axe the show
MPs have piled pressure on the BBC not to axe lunchtime show Politics Live amid reports its future is in doubt.
One of the show’s presenters, Andrew Neil, this week revealed in an interview that he may be ‘surplus to requirements’ at the BBC.
It has since emerged the BBC, which is making cuts across its news division, is carrying out a review into the show, sparking fears it will be dropped.
One of the show’s presenters, Andrew Neil (pictured), this week revealed in an interview that he may be ‘surplus to requirements’ at the BBC
Pictured: Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt
But leading politicians, including former health secretary Jeremy Hunt and former Labour leadership hopeful Jess Phillips, were critical of any potential moves to axe the show.
Mr Hunt wrote on Twitter: ‘I hope this isn’t the case. It would be very strange if our public service broadcaster suddenly decided that covering politics isn’t really part of its job.’
Miss Phillips said: ‘Totally agree, we need political shows and journalism that is about the nitty gritty of everyday changes and issues in people’s lives.
‘Always been happy to be held to account by Jo [Coburn] and Andrew.’