Tue Sep 10 16:08:00 UTC 2024: ## BBC to Explore Legal Action Against Huw Edwards Over £200,000 Salary

The BBC has stated it will consider legal action if former newsreader Huw Edwards refuses to return the £200,000 he earned while employed by the broadcaster after his arrest for possessing indecent images of children.

Edwards, who was one of the BBC’s highest-paid employees, received a salary of at least £475,000 between 2023 and 2024, despite being taken off-air in July 2023 following his arrest. This marked a significant increase from his previous salary.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie has confirmed that the BBC has formally requested the return of the £200,000 earned by Edwards between his arrest in November 2023 and his resignation in April 2024. While discussions are ongoing, Davie has stated that the BBC’s position is clear: the money should be returned.

“We’ve made the formal request, and I can’t go into too much detail, but discussions are under way, but I’ve got no further news, apart from the BBC’s position is clear, the money should be returned, and we made the request,” Davie told the House of Lords’ Communications and Digital Committee.

The BBC has also indicated it will “explore” legal avenues if Edwards does not comply with their request.

In July, Edwards pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, a crime that carries a minimum sentence of 12 months in prison. He is due to be sentenced next week.

The disgraced presenter resigned from the BBC earlier this year after 40 years of service. He cited medical advice from his doctors as the reason for his departure.

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