UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants Russian backed RT Channel investigated

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has demanded that the British license of the Russian-backed RT channel be reviewed, Deadline reported. 

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries asked Ofcom, the UK communications regulator that it should investigate the network, soon after opposition Labour Leader Keir Starmer made a strong case for a ban to be placed on what has been dubbed a Russian propaganda tool, as per Deadline. This move comes against the increasing chances of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

Part of the pushback from NATO is the sanctions on Russia. The USA, along with the UK and other European countries have ordered sanctions on key Russian individuals. This move against RT is part of the same agenda. 

PM Johnson spoke at the Prime Minister’s Questions, today, saying that it should be the job of Ofcom, rather than politicians, to take the final decision regarding RT, which previously used to be known as Russia Today and is primarily a news outlet. 

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“We live in a democracy, and we live in a country that believes in free speech. I think it’s important we leave it up to Ofcom, rather than politicians, to decide which media organizations to ban. That’s what Russia does”, Deadline reported Johnson saying. 

Ofcom had already mentioned they would be prioritizing all complaints against RT before PM Johnson made his statements as per Deadline. 

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In the past, RT has been found guilty of breaching impartiality rules by Ofcom, which then proceeded to impose a fine on the news network, Deadline reported. 

The situation at Ukraine’s borders has all of Europe on edge. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s latest move in recognizing the independence of pro-Russian separatist regions has been seen as a step too far by NATO members. 

While Russia hasn’t responded to the sanctions yet, they have asked their country people in Ukraine to evacuate. Meanwhile, Ukraine has asked Ukrainians in Russia to leave as well. This move has Europe convinced that diplomatic talks are not likely to succeed and they might have to prepare for a confrontation, AP reported.