Former BBC controller fears for World Service independence amid defence funding push

Liliane Landor says World Service journalism must not be linked or subordinated', as BBC explores new funding sources

Using Britain's defence budget to help fund the BBC World Service risks subordinating its journalism to the government's national security aims, its former controller has warned.

The Guardian revealed last week that senior BBC figures are pushing ministers to increase the service's funding by using resources beyond the Foreign Office, which has traditionally contributed to its global broadcasting.