BBC defends Laura Kuenssberg over tweet about father who criticised Boris Johnson in hospital

Broadcaster denies any 'malicious intent' behind political editor's online actions

The BBC has defended political editor, Laura Kuenssberg after she identified the father who confronted Boris Johnson during a visit to a hospital.

Kuenssberg shared a post by Omar Salem, who challenged the prime minister over the standard of care available on the NHS at Whipps Cross Hospital yon Wednesday.

She pointed out Mr Salem was a Labour activist, and went on to reveal his Twitter account, alongside the post: “This is him here”.

Following Kuenssberg's tweet, a barrage of online abuse was directed at Mr Salem, who seven-day-old daughter was being cared for at the hospital.

The post prompted criticism online, with many suggesting that exposing the man to widespread vitriol was wrong.

The Independent columnist Shappi Khorsandi said: "Why is a BBC journalist with a million twitter followers, directing her followers to the account of man speaking his mind to the PM.

"Shall we troll him Laura? What’s happened to journalism? ‘Here! I’ve found him for you!’ Where has common decency gone?"

Byline Times editor Peter Jukes tweeted: "I thought the BBC encouraged Vox Pops. Why are they targeting (and de facto alerting the thousands of online trolls) someone who asks a question of power?"

However, Mr Salem himself, defended Kuenssberg. He tweeted that she was doing her job "without fear or favour which is a vital part of democracy. I don't think 'Labour activist cares about NHS' is a huge scoop though..."

Others also defended the political editor's tweet, pointing out Mr Salem had already identified himself as the man who accosted Mr Johnson.

And the BBC issued a statement saying: “Laura is a journalist who uses social media as part of her job.

“Like many others, Laura quote tweeted a thread by Omar Salem, who had written himself about his encounter with the PM on social media and describes himself as a labour activist.

“Any suggestion there was malicious intent behind her tweets are absurd.”

Mr Salem also responded to the criticism, tweeting: "[Laura Kuenssberg​]​ is doing her job without fear or favour, which is a vital part of democracy.

"I don’t think 'Labour activist cares about NHS' is a huge scoop though..."