THE UK’s leading Jewish organisation and a group of MPs have warned that some segments of GB News risk spreading ideas linked to antisemitism.
Both have called on media regulator Ofcom to look into the broadcaster’s indulgence of conspiracy theories.
This comes as the channel faces increasing scrutiny over its mix of news with programmes that look into conspiracies about subjects including Covid vaccines and a plot to create a world government.
The decision by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the all-party parliamentary group against antisemitism follows a recent show hosted by Neil Oliver.
He used his show last Saturday to discuss what he referred to as a “silent war” by generations of politicians who were trying to take “total control of the people” and impose a “one-world government”.
The idea seemingly echoes a conspiracy theory document named Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars, supposedly a secret manual for world government found in 1986.
This has a long section on the role of the Rothschild banking dynasty which is a common antisemitic trope.
During the same show, one of Oliver’s guests, a man named William Keyte, was introduced as a “constitutional expert”.
Keyte is a supporter of a fringe campaign group called the New Chartist Movement. On the group’s website, there are article written by members and contributors that contain anti-Semitic-linked ideas.
Other articles include one arguing that the “corporate and banking Deep State, completely supported by the Zionist state of Israel” plans to take over UK politics.
Keyte has also contributed an interview to another conspiracy theory website. While his video focuses on the common law, other parts include conspiracies about Covid and the 5G network.
Speaking to The Guardian, he said his interest was in constitutional law. He said: “It seems a shame that rather than focus on the important issues I raised in the interview with Neil in which so many people appear to be interested, you seem to be embarking on a piece about anti-Semitism.
“I do not condone antisemitism, but nor do I support the use of the subject to detract from other important issues.”
A spokesperson for the Board of Deputies of British Jews said: “It is highly concerning that GB news continues to air a show which embraces all manner of conspiracy theories.
“Somewhat inevitably, some of those invited on to this show represent organisations that promote antisemitic conspiracy theories. If the channel will not act, we expect that Ofcom will.”
Conservative MP Nicola Richards, who co-chairs the all-party group against antisemitism, said that diversity in the media was important but “not at the expense of professional standards”.
She said: “These developments should be of a concern to GB News editors, owners and producers and I hope they will be carefully reviewing them.
“With any public platform, there is a responsibility not too open the door to conspiratorial antisemitism or other misinformation.
“No doubt Ofcom will be keeping a close eye on developments at GB News but let’s hope that the channel will get its house in order.”
Ofcom is understood to be looking into whether it should investigate Oliver’s show following a complaint.
It is also looking into two other complaints about a conspiracy theory-heavy show hosted by Mark Steyn.
He quit the channel this week after GB News sought to make him personally responsible for paying any Ofcom fines.
A GB News spokesperson said: “GB News abhors racism and hate in all its forms and would never allow it on the channel.”
