Guto Harri has quit GB News following a row over him taking the knee during a debate on the racism directed towards England football players, it has been reported.
According to the BBC, the journalist and former advisor to Boris Johnson decided to leave the channel after he was suspended following a viewer backlash over his actions.
Last week GB News apologised after Harri made the gesture on air in response to the abuse suffered by members of the national side following their loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
GB News stands four square against racism in all its forms. We do not have a company line on taking the knee. Some of our guests have been in favour, some against. All are anti-racist. We have editorial standards that all GB News journalists uphold.
— GB News (@GBNEWS) July 15, 2021
The statement said: “GB News stands four square against racism in all its forms. We do not have a company line on taking the knee.
“Some of our guests have been in favour, some against. All are anti-racist. We have editorial standards that all GB News journalists uphold.
“On Tuesday a contributing presenter took the knee live on air and this was an unacceptable breach of our standards.
“We let both sides of the argument down by oversimplifying a very complex issue.”
BREAKING
Watch my new Prime Time evening show on GB News from next week.
Tune into “Farage” Mon – Thurs at 7pm.
I will not be taking the knee on this show! pic.twitter.com/1wV0H6QbXZ
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) July 17, 2021
Writing in the Sunday Times, Harri previously said: “I joined, part-time but with an ongoing commitment, because I liked and trusted those in charge and supported the broad vision.
“But the channel is rapidly becoming an absurd parody of what it proclaimed to be.
“Rather than defending free speech and confronting cancel culture, it has set out to replicate it on the far right.”
On Saturday it was announced that Nigel Farage would present a daily show on GB News.
The former Ukip and Reform UK leader said he “will not be taking the knee for anyone on this show” in a video announcing the news.