Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of the BBC, threatening a billion-dollar lawsuit over what he claims was a dishonest editing of a speech he delivered before the 6 January 2021 Capitol riot. The threat follows the resignation of BBC director-general Tim Davie, who stepped down amid the controversy. Trump told Fox News he felt an 'obligation' to sue, accusing the broadcaster of 'defrauding the public' and turning what he described as a calming speech into something radical. His legal team has demanded a full retraction of what they consider defamatory statements, warning that failure to comply will trigger legal action. Sir Ed Davey has urged Keir Starmer to ask Trump to drop the lawsuit. Starmer defended the BBC as a vital and independent institution, across the world, while acknowledging the need for accuracy and accountability. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy warned MPs against undermining the broadcaster, emphasising its national importance as charter review approaches. The situation has reignited debates around impartiality, political pressure, and the future governance of the BBC.

Moments before he went into Downing Street for the first time as prime minister, Rishi Sunak said ‘this government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level.’ Three months later, he confronts issues challenging these promises. No PM wants a reputation for harbouring fixed penalty notices gathered whilst in office but being fined for not wearing a seatbelt was his second offence after his one as chancellor during the pandemic. The deputy prime minister has reportedly had 24+ civil servants make complaints against him. Nadhim Zahawi, the Conservative Party Chairman, is determined to stay in post despite many unanswered questions over a £5m fine that was paid over a tax dispute while he was chancellor and that the prime minister knew about the whole thing.

An intercessor writes: ‘Since the 1989 fall of communism, Poland has experienced unprecedented growth and prosperity. For example, during the 2008-2014 economic crisis, a time of turbulence for the world economy, Poland’s GNP (Gross National Product) grew by 25%. The prime minister during that period was Donald Tusk, now president of the European Council. Since the change of power the situation now needs much prayer. People now running the country have already destroyed the constitutional court, public media, and integral parts of our educational system, to mention just a few. We are heading towards a big crisis both economically and politically, potentially with some serious social unrest.’