The BBC has defended Have I Got News For You after receiving scores of complaints that it was biased against the Tories and Brexit.

A total of 140 viewers contacted the corporation over the November 8 edition of the topical comedy quiz, which was hosted by Adil Ray.

The programme mocked Boris Johnson’s insistence he had an ‘oven-ready’ Brexit and the way his election campaign got off to a terrible start, including Jacob Rees Mogg's contentious comments over Grenfell, accusations they had doctored footage of Labour’s Keir Starmer, and that James Cleverly had failed to show up for a Sky News interview.

They also showed a clip from Nigel Farage’s LBC show in which a caller rang in pretending to be an ardent Remainer who changed his mind until ‘he was kicked in the head by a horse.

But the panel also mocked Labour over the departure of deputy leader Tom Watson and the party’s stance on Brexit.

In an official response to the complaints of bias, the BBC said: ‘The upcoming general election and Brexit are currently dominating the news at what is an extraordinary time in politics. We don’t therefore feel the amount of coverage given to these stories, and the people involved in them, in this episode was disproportionate.

‘The BBC has a long tradition of satire and it isn’t unusual for public figures to have their actions scrutinised. No one in the public eye is exempt. Nonetheless we have noted that some people feel that the focus on the Prime Minister on this occasion was unfair.’

A further 183 people complained about swearing in the previous edition on the programme, when host Jo Brand explained why the Queen liked wearing bright colours. The comedian joked: 'Apparently because it helps her stand out in a crowd. That and the fact that she's the fucking Queen.’

Then the BBC said: ‘Although we appreciate that strong language is not to everyone's tastes, we would like to assure you that this language was not directed at the Queen herself. ‘

Published: 18 Nov 2019