Even after making such a basic error – the sort of mistake no editor would accept from a junior reporter, let alone from Panorama – the BBC could have acted quickly. Recognise the blunder, retract it and apologise sincerely.

Instead, the week of dithering has emboldened its many enemies, from the White House and the Reform party to Fleet Street. Those adversaries need no encouragement. They care little for the BBC’s achievements and merits.

Tim Davie went missing in action yet again. The leadership vacuum allowed the threat to grow quickly. That failure to react means the Beeb now faces a $1bn legal menace from Donald Trump , at a time when the future of the licence fee is in question. Its journalism is in jeopardy.

BBC management took a vow of silence. The board appears

See Full Page