Friday 1 October 2010

Ed on the BBC strike!

Ed Miliband has today urged BBC staff planning strikes, not to do so during the Conservative Party conference, especially over the day when David Cameron will make his speech.

He is right to do this for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it is right that the BBC's reputation for impartiality be maintained, as this would be seen as a blatantly political motivation. There are elements in the coalition who think the licence fee should be abolished, and politically motivated actions by staff, even if only the perception if not the realituy, will add grist to the mill.

Secondly, Ed Miliband is new to the job as Labour leader, and needs to make an impact quickly. By speaking out in favour of fairness, and also being seen to criticise the timing of a union's proposed actions, it might help promote a positive image in the public mind.

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