Liam Fox attacks the BBC for preferring to see ‘Britain fail than Brexit succeed’
International Trade Secretary’s comments on the media labelled a ‘silly attack’ by Labour MP
LIAM Fox has laid into the BBC over its EU coverage as he said some media outlets would prefer to see “Britain fail than see Brexit succeed”.
But the International Trade Secretary’s comments have been labelled a “silly attack” by a Labour MP who called on him to resign from the Cabinet.
Brexiteer Dr Fox made the comments in response to concerns negative reporting was undermining his efforts to make trade deals with countries outside the EU.
But Labour veteran Barry Sheerman dismissed the argument and claimed the instead that he had lost the confidence of manufacturers because he was "living in cloud cuckoo land" over Britain's future.
And ironically the attack on the Beeb came the same day it was announced one its key political producers was leaving to work for the Government.
As first revealed by The Sun on Tuesday, Robbie Gibb has been appointed the new Downing Street Director of Communications.
A 23-year BBC veteran, he currently heads up all of its Westminster operation and edits BBC2’s Daily and Sunday Politics shows, but will fill the role vacated by Katie Perrior at the start of the snap election campaign.
The row began after former Commons deputy speaker Nigel Evans raised concern about the impact of anti-Brexit press coverage would have on potential future trade deals with Commonwealth countries.
The Ribble Valley MP said every time he opens “a newspaper or listen to the radio or TV, the story is done very negatively, almost as if it's going to be impossible for us to do these trade deals”.
Asking if that undermines the work he is doing Dr Fox replied: "It does appear that some elements of our media would rather see Britain fail than see Brexit succeed.
"I cannot recall a single time in recent times when I have seen good economic news that the BBC didn't describe as 'despite Brexit'."
His comments came after his Cabinet colleague Andrea Leadsom called for broadcasters to be more "patriotic" during an interview with BBC Newsnight last month.
She was criticised for chiding presenter Emily Maitlis, with outgoing Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron, describing the comments as “sinister”.
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This morning Mr Sheerman said attacks on the media must not be used "as an excuse for policy", as he told Dr Fox that manufacturers had no confidence in him.
He said: "This frontbench team must know that this silly attack on the BBC cannot be used as an excuse for policy.
"This is a Secretary of State who has refused to meet the All Party Manufacturing Group. Can I tell him that the manufacturers I know, they have no confidence in this Secretary of State.
";He is living in cloud cuckoo land. They think he is not competent and they want his resignation."
International Trade minister Mark Garnier, replying for the Government, said he would take note of the comments.
In response a spokesman for Mrs May said: "The Prime Minister has always been clear about the need to have a free press and a free media in this country."
Tie-gate in the Commons rumbles on
THE SAGA over whether male MPs should still wear ties in the chamber took another turn this morning.
Last week the House of Commons Speaker John Bercow announced male MPs can speak in debates even if they are not wearing the traditional clothing item.
Today Liam Fox said he wants his colleagues to "lead by example" in a bid to boost British tie exports despite the decision to relax the dress code.
The International Trade Secretary lent his support to the old-fashioned attire for men, and also noted that his tie was made in England.
Mr Bercow countered: "I can't claim mine was, I'm not sure. But I'm sure if they're so popular it won't be necessary to compel people to wear them."
But the Lib Dems have attacked the comments, saying it was a “dangerous and misplaced intervention”.
Its MP Alistair Carmichael said: “Mr Fox should get on with the work of Government rather than trying to deflect from the failings of the department.
“It is extraordinary that Mr Fox feels it is appropriate to attack the media. He looks like Donald Trump without the perma-tan.”