BBC’s shame

SO much for the BBC’s much-vaunted impartiality.

While the publicly-funded broadcaster still refuses to describe Hamas murderers as terrorists, a number of its reporters in the Middle East stand accused of anti-Israeli bias, including calling the massacre of hundreds of Israeli civilians “a morning of hope”.

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It comes as no surprise.

But even tin-eared bosses at the BBC should take notice when Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, says he is ashamed of the corporation and echoes Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis in saying it has lost its moral compass.

Lord Carey’s view that the BBC is not fit for purpose and does not represent our nation is a damning one indeed.

The BBC is right to hold an urgent investigation.

But will it make a scrap of difference?

Meanwhile, we pray for the Britons and other hostages seized by Hamas, especially since some are already among those killed by Israeli airstrikes.

The blame lies squarely with the cowardly Hamas butchers who use them as human shields.

While the terrorists prevent terrified families from fleeing Gaza, and train children as cannon-fodder for the fight to come, it is clearer than ever that Hamas are not just the enemies of Israel but also of Palestinians.

If only the BBC could see it.

An easy cell

OUR chronically overcrowded prisons are in crisis.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk denies judges have been told to delay sentencing rapists and other dangerous criminals, but there are not enough cells for those who really should be behind bars.

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Sending 10,000 inmates to complete sentences in their own countries would address the problem.

Why should we pay to accommodate them anyway?

Talk of “Texan-style” community service punishments for low-level criminals could also help.

But only if they were tailored, challenging and meaningful, as they are in Texas, not pointless walks in the park as they too often are over here.

Home truths

THE Tories may come to regret letting Keir Starmer steal their clothes and promise a house-building programme for young people desperate to own their own homes.

Rishi Sunak needs to come up with plans to speed up the planning and construction process.

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And NIMBYs and their MPs in traditionally true blue constituencies need to know that if they continue to block reasonable developments it doesn’t mean those developments won’t happen.

It just means it will be Labour MPs in those seats giving them the go-ahead.