Broadcasting House President Trump threatens to sue the BBC
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Nov 16, 2025 Patrick Maguire, Chief Political Commentator at The Times, discusses the dynamics of Trump’s legal threats against the BBC and the implications of political briefings on journalism. Ulrika Jonsson shares insights into the quirky behavior of tourists chasing pigs in the New Forest, while also emphasizing the importance of bonding with literature amid declining reading rates. Anna Gross from the Financial Times adds context on Angela Rayner's political ambitions, highlighting the shifts in party dynamics as the next election approaches.
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Trump's Lawsuit As Political And Legal Signal
- Donald Trump threatened to sue the BBC over edited footage of his 2021 Capitol speech, framing it as defamation and fake news.
- Legal experts said big damages claims often signal negotiation rather than full court pursuits and most civil disputes settle.
Apology Matters More Than Foreign Backlash
- John Humphrys argued the BBC's apology matters more to UK audiences than appeasing Trump overseas.
- He warned paying large damages would anger licence-fee payers and could harm Radio 4's public trust.
How To Respect New Forest Livestock
- Follow the New Forest code and keep distance from free-roaming livestock to avoid harm and fines.
- Use your camera zoom rather than approaching animals and don't stop in the road to take pictures.