The discussion was prompted by a trade agreement between the UK and US governments.  The programme heard briefly from Layla Moran, Chair of the Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee, who expressed concern the agreement could lead to higher long‑term costs for medicines and then from Professor John Bell who listeners were told was “Regis Professor of Medicine at Oxford University and has advised the government over the years on life sciences”. 

This accurately identified his academic status and his public policy role but did not refer to the fact he has previously advised pharmaceutical companies and had significant financial interests in the pharmaceutical industry.  This information was relevant because Professor Bell was providing analysis on a policy agreement directly affecting pharmaceutical pricing, market access and investment. 

The ECU found no reason to question the appropriateness of the decision to interview Professor Bell or the validity or integrity of his views.  But taking account of the subject matter and the opinions expressed by Professor Bell, the absence of any reference to his connections with the pharmaceutical industry meant in this case the interview did not meet the BBC’s editorial standards for accuracy. 

Upheld