The government wants to review the license of Russia’s RT channel

The British government has asked for a full review of the license granted to the Russian public broadcaster RT, Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday. Western Russian crisis Associated with Ukraine, its defense minister so Vladimir Putin King “lost the ball“.

He questioned Parliament about the role ofmisinformationPlayed by RT, the prime minister said his culture minister, Nadine Doris, had asked the British Communications Regulatory Authority (BRC) “reconsidering» The license granted to the English language news channel. “We live in a democracy and in a country that believes in freedom of expression, so it is important to leave this up to Ofcom, rather than politicians deciding which media should be banned as Russia does‘, Boris Johnson relaxed.

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In response to a question by AFP, Ofcom indicated that it would not hesitate to “to interveneIf the licensee violates the standards of accuracy or fairness. “Given the severity of the crisis in Ukraine, we will prioritize examination of complaints regarding coverage of this issue by any broadcasting company.Organizer spokesperson added.

At the beginning of February, Germany RT on its territoryThis prompted Moscow to close the office of German radio and television Deutsche Welle in Moscow. The Kremlin hinted that the BBC may face the same fate. “If the UK continues to threaten the Russian media, retaliatory measures will not be long in comingRussian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned.

Other British sanctions

Boris Johnson also emphasized in his speech the readiness for new economic sanctions after the ones he announced on Tuesday, without specifying whether they will be implemented regardless of anything or in the event of further escalation. these measures”It aims to prevent Russia from increasing its sovereign debt, prevent Russian companies from raising money and even from settling pounds and dollars in international markets.“, It is to explain.

He also confirmed that London would intensify its military assistance to Kiev, including lethal weapons, in addition to the recently sent anti-tank missiles. The UK government has also announced financial support in the form of credit guarantees of up to $500 million.