BBC flag-gate rages on as Huw Edwards forced to delete tweet after Naga Munchetty’s Union Flag apology

Huw Edwards has had to delete a tweet after he mocked the BBC Breakfast Union Flag row by joking that he’ll be presenting BBC News in front of a massive Welsh flag.

The 59-year-old got in on the flag-gate situation after Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick appeared on BBC Breakfast in front of a huge Union Flag, with presenter Charlie Stayt unable to resist making a joke.

Giving us a smoulder as he posed in front of the Welsh flag, Huw wrote on Twitter: ‘Flags are now mandatory — very pleased with my new backdrop for @BBCNews at Ten.’

Just two hours later, the star, who previously joked about the new BBC impartiality guidelines, deleted his tweet, instead sharing a picture of a flag emblazoned with the BBC logo, insisting it’s ‘one of his favourites’.

‘Gutted. My pro-flag tweet has been cut down in its prime. By order. But it will be back tomorrow — by popular demand,’ he explained, peppering the tweet with Welsh flag emojis.

‘Meanwhile enjoy this magnificent flag — one of my favourites.’

Huw’s controversial flag snaps came after BBC Breakfast star Charlie, 58, made a joke about Mr Jenrick’s flag in the background of his shot.

The presenter quipped: ‘I think your flag is not up to standard size government interview measurements,’ as Mr Jenrick smiled awkwardly.

Charlie added: ‘I think it’s just a little small, but that’s your department, really.’

Naga was left in stitches, but later apologised on Twitter for liking ‘offensive’ tweets about the flag.

The 46-year-old wrote: ‘I “liked” tweets today that were offensive in nature about the use of the British flag as a backdrop in a government interview this morning.

‘I have since removed these “likes”. This do not represent the views of me or the BBC. I apologise for any offence taken. Naga [sic].’

Meanwhile, even This Morning got in on the joke, after guest star Matthew Wright mocked the situation by placing tiny flags at the forefront of his camera shot.

It followed new guidelines for BBC news staff over their use of social media, with new director-general Tim Davie warning employees in September to be mindful of new impartiality rules.

The broadcaster later published guidelines which warned staff not to bring the corporation ‘into disrepute’ with their behaviour online.

It included guidance on avoiding bias through follows, likes or re-posting and shares, as well as tougher guidelines for some staff in news, current affairs, factual journalism, senior leadership, and a small number of presenters who have a significant public profile.

Huw previously had a cheeky response to the new guidelines, which advised staff to avoid ‘virtue signalling’.

One point stated: ‘Use of emojis can – accidentally, or deliberately – undercut an otherwise impartial post’.

The presenter wasn’t having any of it, writing on Twitter: ‘The BBC’s new social media guidance says that the “use of emojis can – accidentally, or deliberately – undercut an otherwise impartial post”‘ and book-ending his tweet with a string of Welsh flag emoji.

BBC Breakfast airs weekdays at 6am on BBC One.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : This Morning’s Matthew Wright mocks BBC Breakfast Union Jack row with world’s tiniest flags

MORE : Newsreader Huw Edwards has cheeky response to BBC’s new ‘virtue signalling’ social media guidelines