Naga Munchetty embroiled in Union Flag row
Naga Munchetty has faced criticism from some online following an interview on Thursday in which she and her co-host Charlie Stayt drew attention to a large flag and picture of the Queen visible behind Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.
Ending the interview, Stayt said: “I think your flag is not up to standard size, Government interview measurements.
“I think it’s just a little bit small, but that’s your department really. It’s just a thought.”
What a bizarre thing for the BBC to sneer and snigger at. What’s wrong with ministers of the British government having the flag and the monarch on display? pic.twitter.com/ESgC8BAaab
— Mark Wallace (@wallaceme) March 18, 2021
Mr Jenrick, who was speaking via video call from Westminster, did not respond.
When the camera returned to the studio, Munchetty was seen attempting to stifle her laugher.
She added: “There’s always a flag. They had the picture of the Queen though. In the Westminster office I am assuming.”
Many on Twitter were unimpressed with the behaviour of the presenters.
Just BBC presenters sniggering about our flag and Queen. Nothing to see here. #DefundTheBBChttps://t.co/a3178gNarx
— Save Our Statues - Robert Poll (@_SaveOurStatues) March 18, 2021
DISGRACEFUL & UNPATRIOTIC: BBC Presenters Stayt & Munchetty clearly hate Britain as they mock our flag & Queen. Why should we have to fund their salaries via BBC licence fee? Resign or be fired. #defundthebbc pic.twitter.com/5lG23jAHJG
— Richard Tice (@TiceRichard) March 19, 2021
Conservative MPs write to BBC director general Tim Davie demanding action against BBC Breakfast presenters being "disrespectful" to the Union Jack and the Queen. Letter organised by @Bren4Bassetlaw supported by 16 colleagues https://t.co/QS3X7I6bRE
— David Maddox 🇬🇧📝 (@DavidPBMaddox) March 19, 2021
Mark Dolan says BBC presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty should not have made fun of MP Robert Jenrick's flag.
"Is patriotism a crime now? Why does the BBC have such a problem with Britain?"@mrmarkdolan pic.twitter.com/QlJiPMPRVs— talkRADIO (@talkRADIO) March 18, 2021
Some though were supportive of the presenters.
😂🤣😂
Well done Charlie Stayt! 👏👏👏
"Robert Jenrick, your flag is just a little bit small."
😂🤣😂
Naga Munchetty's laugh is precious too. 😁
BBC journos, RESIST! pic.twitter.com/YQl2S7gFRZ— Aged Human (@Laura__Fox) March 18, 2021
Munchetty got herself into further hot water when she liked a series of tweets reacting to the flag segment.
Munchetty has since apologised for liking the “offensive” tweets .
The presenter said she had since removed the likes and that they did not represent the views of the broadcaster.
I 'liked' tweets today that were offensive in nature about the use of the British flag as a backdrop in a government interview this morning.
I have since removed these 'likes'.
This do not represent the views of me or the BBC.
I apologise for any offence taken.
Naga— Naga Munchetty (@TVNaga01) March 18, 2021
Munchetty joined the BBC in 2008 and became a lead presenter on BBC Breakfast in 2014.
She was rebuked by the BBC in 2019 after commenting on US president Donald Trump’s call for a group of female Democrats to “go back” to their own countries.
The corporation initially ruled that the presenter had breached editorial guidelines before then director-general Lord Tony Hall reversed the decision.
