Turning Point UK organises October demonstration after Radio 5 Live newsreader’s on-air gaffe during coverage of conservative activist’s Arizona memorial service
A protest has been scheduled outside the BBC’s Broadcasting House after a Radio 5 Live newsreader appeared to label murdered conservative activist Charlie Kirk as “far-right” during coverage of his memorial service.
Turning Point UK announced they would demonstrate at 6pm on October 1 after GB News exclusively revealed the broadcaster’s on-air gaffe, which occurred as tens of thousands gathered to pay their respects to the slain political activist in Arizona.
The controversy erupted when a BBC Radio 5 Live newsreader, transitioning from weather coverage to news about Kirk’s memorial, stated: “Huge crowds are gathering in Arizona for the memorial of the murdered far, er, right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk.
Turning Point UK Condemns BBC Coverage
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Turning Point UK declared they “can’t let them [BBC] tarnish Charlie’s legacy with their lies” and accused the broadcaster of bias on what should have been a day of remembrance.
On the day of Charlie Kirk’s memorial, the biased BBC falsely branded Charlie Kirk ‘far-right’ twice,” the organisation stated. “In their monologue, they used an image of Charlie waving to outrageously insinuate he was a ‘Nazi’.”
The protest announcement comes as approximately 63,000 mourners filled State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday to honour Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10 whilst speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Free Speech Union founder Toby Young told GB News: “It’s disappointing to hear a BBC newsreader smear Charlie Kirk as ‘far Right. It should be more mindful of its duty of impartiality.”
Kirk’s Legacy and Assassination
Charlie Kirk, 31, founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18, building it into one of America’s largest conservative youth movements. The organisation, which claims chapters at more than 3,500 high school and college campuses across the United States, played a crucial role in mobilising young conservative voters.
Kirk was shot and killed whilst conducting one of his signature “Prove Me Wrong” debates at Utah Valley University, where he invited students to challenge his political and cultural views. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been arrested and charged with aggravated murder, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.
The assassination shocked the political world, with President Donald Trump announcing Kirk would posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Representative Andy Ogles introduced legislation to award Kirk the Congressional Gold Medal, describing him as “the personification of the First Amendment.”
Memorial Service Draws Political Heavyweights
Sunday’s memorial service at State Farm Stadium featured an array of prominent conservative figures, including President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who has been appointed CEO of Turning Point USA.
Trump delivered a political eulogy, describing Kirk’s murder as “not just an attack on one man or one movement” and crediting Kirk with helping to “awaken a generation and save a nation.
Charlie wasn’t just a friend – he was like a little brother to me,” Donald Trump Jr. wrote on social media, highlighting Kirk’s role in the 2016 campaign and his influence within the Trump movement.
Vice President Vance, who accompanied Kirk’s casket from Utah to Arizona aboard Air Force Two, credited Kirk with introducing him to Donald Trump Jr. before his 2022 Senate run and advocating for his selection as Trump’s running mate.
International Impact and UK Connections
Kirk’s influence extended beyond American borders through Turning Point’s international branches. Turning Point UK was launched in February 2019, bringing the movement’s conservative activism to British universities and schools.
The organisation aims to counter what it describes as “a dogmatic left-wing political climate” in UK educational institutions, promoting “the values of free markets, limited government and personal responsibility.
Kirk’s death resonated particularly strongly in the UK, where more than 100,000 people attended a “Unite the Kingdom” rally in London on September 13, just three days after his assassination. Organised by activist Tommy Robinson, the demonstration included tributes to Kirk, with some protesters carrying signs reading “Freedom of speech is dead. RIP Charlie Kirk.”
Several speakers at the London rally paid tribute to Kirk, observing a moment of silence followed by a bagpiper playing “Amazing Grace.” Elon Musk, appearing via video link, condemned “the left” as “the party of murder” in reference to Kirk’s assassination.
BBC’s Editorial Standards Under Scrutiny
The BBC’s apparent labelling of Kirk as “far-right” has reignited debates about the broadcaster’s impartiality obligations. Under its Royal Charter, the BBC is required to provide “duly impartial” coverage of political matters.
Critics argue the characterisation of Kirk as “far-right” represents editorial bias, particularly given the timing during his memorial service. Supporters of the protest say the BBC should have simply described Kirk as a “conservative activist” or referenced his role as founder of Turning Point USA.
The broadcaster has faced previous criticism from conservative groups who accuse it of left-wing bias in its coverage. The planned protest adds to mounting pressure on the BBC to address perceptions of partiality in its political reporting.
Turning Point’s Continuing Mission
Despite Kirk’s death, Turning Point USA has vowed to continue its mission. Andrew Kolvet, a spokesman for the organisation, reported receiving over 37,000 inquiries from people wanting to start new campus chapters following the assassination.
The organisation currently operates approximately 900 official college chapters and 1,200 high school chapters across America. Its annual conferences, including the Student Action Summit and AmericaFest, draw thousands of young conservatives and feature prominent Republican speakers.
Erika Kirk, speaking at the memorial, promised that Turning Point USA would keep hosting campus events despite security concerns. “Charlie’s legacy has just begun,” said Anna Luna, director of Hispanic outreach for the organisation. “If one man can awaken a generation and save a nation, imagine what ten thousand can do.”
The October 1 protest at Broadcasting House represents the UK branch’s determination to defend Kirk’s reputation and challenge what they perceive as media bias. Organisers expect supporters from across Britain to attend the 6pm demonstration, which they say will be peaceful but firm in demanding accountability from the BBC.
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