Speeches by Kumaran.

“Tim, I actually put one of your quotes to the Foreign Secretary recently, where you have said that the world is facing an “all‑out assault on truth”. I explained the situation about BBC Arabic in Lebanon. He said, “If it is the case that the British language or the work of the BBC World Service are receding and …”

“Thank you, both, especially for that last really clear answer. I will declare that I have been on BBC World Service, BBC Tamil, in both English and Tamil. I want to move back to the questions in relation to challenging disinformation. You have both spoken to us about Russia and China and the amount of money that is goi…”

“Thank you. That was really clear. We know now that disinformation and misinformation are one of the biggest challenges ahead for us, especially with our national security. It is a demonstrable national security threat. Will future funding decisions for the BBC take this into account? This is new and perhaps not somethi…”

“Should the Government have that decision, knowing what we know now, especially about BBC Arabic? We asked them if the BBC made any assessment on the impact of closing these services, especially with misinformation and disinformation, and whether the Government were informed, and we were not given too clear an answer.”

“Thank you. I will go back to Baroness Chapman, if I may. You mentioned in your previous answer that it was a decision for the BBC to make some of these strategic operational decisions. Tim Davie, in his answer to us before this session, mentioned that some of this is a strategic discussion and decision for the UK. Ther…”

“In terms of the soft power aspect of this, we talked about the royal family. We have talked about sports. We have talked about lots of other exports. What alternative is there to BBC World Service in terms of a comparable soft power export?”

“Thank you, panel. My question is to Baroness Chapman. We have seen that, last year, the BBC cut BBC Arabic, Persian and Hindi radio services, among others. A stark example is where they cut the service in Lebanon. Russian-backed media took over and were broadcasting on the state frequency. We have heard Tim Davie talki…”

“I have one final question; thank you, both. It very much relates to Paul’s question on the impact of disinformation and misinformation. Did you make this assessment prior to shutting BBC Arabic? Notwithstanding the answer about the FCDO, were the Government informed in any way about the impact and these potential forei…”

“Sorry. My question was not on the competition. It was on whether there are any good practice examples that we can learn from other broadcasters on how to tackle misinformation and disinformation.”

“Tim, I actually put one of your quotes to the Foreign Secretary recently, where you have said that the world is facing an “all‑out assault on truth”. I explained the situation about BBC Arabic in Lebanon. He said, “If it is the case that the British language or the work of the BBC World Service are receding and …”

“Thank you, both, especially for that last really clear answer. I will declare that I have been on BBC World Service, BBC Tamil, in both English and Tamil. I want to move back to the questions in relation to challenging disinformation. You have both spoken to us about Russia and China and the amount of money that is goi…”

“I have two follow-ups. I am conscious of time, but those were really clear answers from both of you, thank you. Professor, you touched there on the use of the word “genocide”, which is coming up time and time again. We are seeing these images play out that are horrifying and devastating. Time and time again, people hav…”

“I have a few questions. I appreciate how complicated this subject is, but if you could keep your answers short perhaps I can get through the questions. What is the difference between the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court? What are the specific roles of both of those courts in the conte…”

“I have a further follow-up. I am conscious of time, but thank you for the incredibly clear answer. Claire, the United Nations says that upholding international law and ensuring accountability for violations rests squarely on member states. We have talked about that today. It has said that the failure to do so weakens t…”

“Thank you, panel, for your patience. Is it possible to reach a long-term settlement of the conflict in stages, starting with a ceasefire, or should there be a simultaneous effort, with a ceasefire and a future solution negotiations being conducted in parallel?”

“This is to the full panel, but perhaps I could start with you, Dr Baskin. Is it possible to reach a long-term settlement of the conflict in stages, starting with a ceasefire, or should there be a simultaneous effort, with a ceasefire and future solution negotiations being conducted in parallel?”

“Thank you, Ambassador, for your representations. You talked about a lasting ceasefire and you mentioned the parameters within it—the multi-year reconstruction plan, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the freeing of hostages. I asked a similar question to the previous panel, so I would love to know your answer to this…”

“Thank you for your evidence today and the dignity and courage that you have to recount this story of what has happened to your family. I pay tribute to that strength that you have. I just want to offer my help. The University of East London is actually in my constituency, so I am very happy to meet with you. I am very …”

“Thank you, Ambassador, for your representations. You talked about a lasting ceasefire and you mentioned the parameters within it—the multi-year reconstruction plan, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the freeing of hostages. I asked a similar question to the previous panel, so I would love to know your answer to this…”

“Thank you, panel, for your patience. Is it possible to reach a long-term settlement of the conflict in stages, starting with a ceasefire, or should there be a simultaneous effort, with a ceasefire and a future solution negotiations being conducted in parallel?”