A Conservative peer and a Labour MP have criticised GB News after the rightwing television channel confused the two Sikh politicians in a social media post.In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, to promote an interview with the Tory peer Kulveer Ranger on the government’s Rwanda bill, the peer was incorrectly identified as the Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi.The post said: “‘The House of Lords should not be frustrating the will of the House of Commons.’ Tan Dhesi urges Conservatives to ‘stick to Rishi Sunak’s plan’ as the prime minister tries to get his Rwanda bill through House of Lords.”Lord Ranger said he had received an apology from the network. He posted on X: “This should not happen! In 20yrs of broadcasting on TV & radio I have never been mistaken in this manner. I have raised this with GB NEWS who have apologised & are looking into this error.“Mistakes happen but we expect high standards of journalism from all broadcasters Proud Sikh.”Meanwhile, Dhesi said the interview was a surprise to him and that “not all Sikh men are the same”.“Having been very critical of the Rwanda Bill, I must admit this interview came as news to me,” he posted on social media.“My dastaar (turban) is a proud part of my #identity, but this Tory peer is definitely not me, because our identities are as distinct as our opinions. Not all Sikh men are the same!”The mistake came as Rishi Sunak’s troubled Rwanda deportation plan was condemned by Conservative peers, historians and bishops in an indication that the House of Lords could demand changes that may delay its implementation.The muddled tweet is the latest in a series of blunders by the populist-leaning news channel, including a newsreader swearing live on air in September.GB News also suspended the presenters Dan Wootton and Laurence Fox last year following misogynistic comments made on Wootton’s show.Ofcom found GB News breached impartiality guidelines in 2023 relating to an interview with the Reform party leader, Richard Tice, while the Liberal Democrats called for an investigation over criticism of the party’s leader, Ed Davey.The Guardian has contacted GB News, Ranger and Dhesi for comment.
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