BBC needs to appeal to 'mass audience' to survive says expert

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Suella Braverman, the UK’s Attorney General, is set to ask the High Court to grant an injunction to stop a programme that would reportedly identify a spy from airing. If the Attorney General’s application succeeds, the Government could be granted either a full or a temporary injunction. The judge produces two judgments, one which will not disclose any sensitive details.

The other one gives all the details but can only be read by people with security clearance.

The High Court hearing is due to take place on Thursday.

The BBC insists the programme is “overwhelmingly in the public interest”.

However, the Government is set to claim in court that the BBC report, if it is broadcast, presents “a risk to people’s lives”.

In a statement, the BBC said: “The Attorney General has issued proceedings against the BBC with a view to obtaining an injunction to prevent publication of a proposed BBC news story.

“We are unable to comment further at this stage, beyond confirming that we would not pursue any story unless it was felt it was overwhelmingly in the public interest to do so and fully in line with the BBC’s editorial standards and values.”

The Attorney General’s office added in a statement: “The Attorney General has made an application against the BBC.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further while proceedings are ongoing.”

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A source speaking to the Daily Telegraph said identifying the spy concerned would have “very serious consequences for the BBC”.

The source added: “It would be ‘a risk to people’s lives’.

“It is really serious there are serious risks.

“The programme would be a massive compromise for our security.

“These people are doing very, very difficult jobs in incredible circumstances.

“They are risking their lives.

“This is not James Bond, these are real people.”

The news comes after the Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries, confirmed the Government will freeze the BBC Licence Fee for two years.

The fee will not be rising in line with inflation until 2027.

Speaking to Parliament on Monday she said that the future funding of the corporation was up for discussion and a review on its future would start shortly.

Express.co.uk has contacted the BBC for further comment.

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