Huw Edwards mocks BBC's social media rules on Twitter

Newsreader was accused of impartiality last year

Huw Edwards (Rex Features)

The BBC has issued new social media guidance that aims to force staff to maintain impartiality – a move that’s already been mocked by one of its biggest stars, Huw Edwards.

On Thursday morning (29 October), the corporation announced that its employees will be told not to “express a personal opinion on matters of public policy, politics, or controversial subjects” on their online platforms.

The announcement follows new director general Tim Davie's pledge last month to impose new social media rules.

Taking to Twitter to make fun of the new rules, BBC News at Ten presenter Edwards, who is Welsh, tweeted a total of 16 emojis of the Flag of Wales alongside the words: “The BBC's new social media guidance says that the ‘use of emojis can – accidentally, or deliberately – undercut an otherwise impartial post’.”

Edwards’ followers were delighted. “Tweet of the day,” wrote one person. “Absolute legend,” added another.

Last year, Edwards defended himself against accusations of political bias after he liked a tweet saying: “Vote Labour for the National Health Service.”

He was criticised by Conservative candidate David Davis for endorsing the party’s post, in light of the BBC’s strict impartiality guidelines.

Edwards later addressed the allegations, insisting he had not seen the “vote Labour” message at the end.

But he said he would “never apologise” for supporting the NHS.