News Digest

Prime Minister David Cameron wants Jeremy Clarkson back on the BBC

United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron called Jeremy Clarkson a “huge talent” as he weighed into the row over the Top Gear presenter’s suspension. Several hundred thousand people have signed a petition calling for the presenter of BBC show Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson, to be reinstated. The outspoken British presenter of the motoring show was suspended by the BBC yesterday after he was involved in a “fracas” with a producer. Clarkson, who has been involved in a number of high-profile gaffes in recent years , was put on what the corporation called his final warning in 2014.

He’s a constituent of mine, he’s a friend of mine, he’s a huge talent. I see that he said he regrets some of what happened. Because…he does amuse and entertain so many people, including my children who’ll be heartbroken if Top Gear is taken off air, I hope this can be sorted out.

David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Over the years there have been numerous calls for Clarkson to be sacked, including online petitions signed by thousands of people, but all have been ignored.  Top Gear is one of the BBC’s biggest money spinners, pulling in millions of pounds from a devoted - and international - audience.