The BBC have been forced to issue an apology after making a huge error reporting on the two-child benefit cap on Radio 4. On September 26, they attributed the introduction of the cap to the wrong party, claiming it had been brought in by the coalition government when in fact it was the Conservative government. This led to a slew of complaints from listeners about the glaring error. The broadcaster subsequently took to the corrections and clarifications section of their website to acknowledge their mistake and apologise.

"In a discussion about spending in the lead up to the budget, we mistakenly stated that the two-child benefit cap was imposed by the coalition government. It was actually announced by the Conservative government in 2015 and implemented in 2017, and we're sorry for the error," they wrote. An issue needs to have received at least 100 complaints before it publicly publishes an apology.

This latest apology comes just over two weeks after the corporation issued a mea culpa to US President Donald Trump over a Panorama episode that spliced parts of his January 6, 2021, speech together.

The statement said the edit had given "the mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action" and added that it would not be shown in the 2024 programme again.

The US President had threatened to sue the BBC for $1bn (£759m) in damages in the wake of the incident unless they issued a retraction, apologised and compensated him.

The controversy over the edit led to the resignations of the BBC's Head of News, Deborah Turness, and the Director General, Tim Davie.

Davie said it was "entirely his decision" to step back after 20 years at the broadcaster and five years as Director General.

"I remain very thankful to the chair and board for their unswerving and unanimous support throughout my entire tenure, including during recent days," he said in a statement. "I am working through exact timings with the Board to allow for an orderly transition to a successor over the coming months.

"I have been reflecting on the very intense personal and professional demands of managing this role over many years in these febrile times, combined with the fact that I want to give a successor time to help shape the Charter plans they will be delivering.

"In these increasingly polarised times, the BBC is of unique value and speaks to the very best of us. It helps make the UK a special place; overwhelmingly kind, tolerant and curious. Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable. While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision," he acknowledged.