Why the BBC is facing ‘serious questions’ following Lord Dyson's inquiry into the Diana interview

Government ministers could probe whether there are governance issues at the corporation that need reviewing. 

Lord Dyson’s inquiry found the broadcaster covered up “deceitful” tactics used by reporter Martin Bashir to land the bombshell interview. 

Lord Hall, who led an internal investigation into the interview in 1996, is also facing questions over why Bashir was rehired by the BBC in 2016.

‘Fear, paranoia and isolation’

The Duke of Cambridge on Friday made his first public appearance since both he and his brother, the Duke of Sussex, issued scathing statements regarding the report.

William condemned the BBC in a statement saying the interview had fuelled his mother’s “fear, paranoia and isolation” in the final years of her life and damaged her relationship with the Prince of Wales.

Harry also hit out at the corporation, saying: “The ripple effect of a culture of exploitation and unethical practices ultimately took her life.”

During a visit to Portsmouth on Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “obviously concerned” by the inquiry’s findings”, adding: “I can only imagine the feelings of the royal family and I hope very much that the BBC will be taking every possible step to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.”

Current BBC director-general Tim Davie wrote to staff on Friday, saying lessons must be learnt and people across the BBC felt “deeply let down” by the contents of the 127-page document.

Met Police assessing contents of Dyson report