Complaint
A viewer complained the programme was incorrect in saying the COVID enquiry chair Baroness Hallet had said the Scottish Government failed the citizens of Scotland due to poor preparation. The ECU considered this against the standards for accuracy and impartiality set out in the Editorial Guidelines.
Outcome
The report in question included a clip of Baroness Hallett speaking at the Inquiry, in which she said: “I have no hesitation in concluding that the processes, planning and policy of the civil contingency structures across the United Kingdom failed the citizens of all four nations”. In the ECU’s view the wording used in the report adequately and accurately reflected what Baroness Hallett had said in relation to the Scottish Government’s role in handling the pandemic. In a programme dedicated to Scottish issues, targeting a Scottish audience, a focus on criticism of the Scottish Government did not indicate bias.
Not Upheld