Our wartime leader had planned the commemoration himself with military precision under the title Operation Hope Not .
Like thousands of others joining a series of events across the United Kingdom, I, and my school, attended a service marking his passing.
Like thousands of others joining a series of events across the United Kingdom, I, and my school, attended a service marking his passing
The Boys Brigade, the Girl Guides, the Scouts and the Royal British Legion in my home town of Kirkcaldy paid their respects. The Union Flag was unfurled. The National Anthem sung, and Land Of Hope And Glory came later. It was a high moment of Britishness: the UK coming together, under one flag, to mark the death of a leader who had led our country to its finest hour.
There are few friends left inside the BBC for its former director-general Tony Hall. His reputation among staff has “taken a hammering”, says one well-known broadcaster. A senior producer describes himself as “hugely disappointed” that Hall failed to do the right thing in his investigation into how Martin Bashir secured his scoop interview with Princess Diana in 1995, and that the BBC “trashed the career of the most junior person involved”. Another adds that staff are “incensed” that Bashir was rehired in 2016 as the BBC’s religious affairs correspondent given what Hall knew about his past. “It all contributes to the general loss of confidence around the place,” says one thoughtful insider. “Are people as proud to work for the BBC as they were ten years ago? I doubt it.” A former editor puts it starkly: “When your entire reputation, and self-image, is built on trust, it could not be more serious.”
Nicholas Witchell says Panorama boss told him to BACK OFF over Diana msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Sarah Smith: errors
BBC bosses were facing mounting criticism on social media this weekend over its response to an inaccurate report by Scotland editor Sarah Smith on the Alex Salmond affair.
During an appearance on Friday at the Scottish Parliament inquiry into the government’s handling of complaints against him, Mr Salmond was asked if he thought his successor as First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, should resign if she was found to have misled parliament.
He said he believed she had broken the ministerial code but it was not for him to suggest what the consequences should be.
However, Ms Smith told viewers of the BBC’s Six O’Clock News that evening that he had said she should resign.