Shanene's victory

A young mother humiliated by aggressive and ill-informed questions by a BBC Newsnight political editor has received the on-air apology she was asking for.

Shanene Thorpe had agreed to be interviewed about her life. She is proud of her child – “a beautiful, sociable and happy three-year-old girl”.

She is also proud of the way she herself copes with the challenges of being a working mum. She lives in London and works in Tower Hamlets. As a worker on a low income, she is entitled to housing benefit to contribute towards her rent. So she claims it.

But the journalist treated her as if she were living off the state as a lifestyle choice. Shanene felt humiliated and asked for a formal apology. This Youthmoney article summarises the story as it was back in May.

Now Shanene has what she asked for. Her petition was signed by thousands. Supported by it, she complained to the BBC editorial complaints board. Newsnight has now issued an on-air apology. See her petitions website for a link to the apology.

Shanene says seeing the acknowledgement on air was an emotional and incredible feeling. It's a major and well-deserved victory for her. It is also a massive boost for everyone who sees young single parents doing a vital and challenging job, including managing their money on a low income. It's a defeat for those ready to prejudge and condemn from a standpoint of ignorance. Great work, Shanene.