Lord Christopher Smith, the outgoing chairman of the Advertising Standards Authority, has said the UK would benefit from a body to independently verify the claims made by politicians after the “misleading” EU referendum campaign that resulted in the decision to leave the EU.
Lord Smith, who describes himself as a “proud and passionate Remainer”, also said that the British public should have the chance to vote in a second referendum once the terms of the exit deal are clear.
“The referendum was a snapshot in time,” he told The Independent during an interview marking his 10 years as chairman and his decision to step down at the end of September. “I think people would welcome the chance to have another look at the issue once we know what the provisions of departure are going to be.”
The Advertising Standards Authority, which addresses complaints from the public about misleading or inappropriate advertising, checked some claims made by politicians in broadcast advertising until 1999. The process was abandoned because, unlike the advertising industry, which funds the watchdog through a levy and upholds its judgements, politicians do not support a similar process.
“None of the political parties will buy in to a regulatory system,” Lord Smith said. “At the ASA, we fundamentally depend on buy-in from the industry.”
Lord Smith served as MP for Islington South and Finsbury for 22 years until 2005. He worked closely with Jeremy Corbyn, who is MP for neighbouring constituency Islington North, throughout this time.
“I like Jeremy a lot,” said Lord Smith, who served as Secretary of State for Media, Culture and Sport during Tony Blair’s first term. “I have a lot of respect for [him]. He did a brilliant campaign in the election. It completely astonished me. Clearly he is unassailable as the leader and will lead Labour into the next election.”
He called on Mr Corbyn to bring Labour politicians that had previously opposed his leadership back to the frontbenches.
“I wish he would now bring into his Shadow Cabinet the array of talents that are available in the party, including those who have opposed him in the past,” Lord Smith said. “I believe that Labour needs to show its strongest face to the public.”
Lord Smith will step down from his post as chairman of the ASA at the end of September. His successor has not yet been named.
Read Lord Smith's interview next Friday
