Huw Edwards asked to return salary by BBC

The BBC has asked Huw Edwards to return the salary he earned from the time he was arrested in November last year, after Edwards admitted having indecent images of children.

A statement from the corporation said Edwards had "undermined trust in the BBC and brought us into disrepute".

It said: "There is nothing more important than the public's trust in the BBC; the BBC Board is the custodian of that trust.

"The Board has met a number of times over the last week to review information provided by the Executive relating to Huw Edwards. The Board's focus has been principally around two issues.

"Firstly, what was known in the lead up to Mr Edwards being charged and pleading guilty last Wednesday to making indecent images of children; and, secondly, the specifics of the BBC's handling of the complaints and the BBC's own investigations into Mr Edwards, prior to his resignation on 22 April 2024".

The statement went on to say: "Today, the Board has authorised the Executive to seek the return of salary paid to Mr Edwards from the time he was arrested in November last year.

"Mr Edwards pleaded guilty to an appalling crime. Had he been up front when asked by the BBC about his arrest, we would never have continued to pay him public money.

"He has clearly undermined trust in the BBC and brought us into disrepute."

It also announced that the Board has commissioned an independent review that will "make recommendations on practical steps that could strengthen a workplace culture in line with BBC Values".

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has said she welcomes the BBC's decision to launch an independent review following the Huw Edwards case.

Ms Nandy said: "Public trust in the BBC is essential, and so I welcome the BBC's decision to launch an independent review into the culture within the organisation following the Huw Edwards case and his abhorrent actions.

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