Fact-Checking Policy
Our fact checks test specific public claims against the best available evidence and show readers how we reached our conclusion, so they can judge it for themselves.
Choosing what to check
We check claims that are widely shared, concern matters of public interest, and can be verified. We check claims regardless of who makes them or which side of a debate they come from. Matters of pure opinion or prediction are not checked.
How we check
Each fact check follows the same steps:
- Identify the exact claim, who made it and where it first appeared.
- Find the original evidence: official data, documents, recordings or first-hand sources.
- Consider the context in which the claim was made.
- Contact the person or organisation that made the claim where possible, and report their response.
- Have a second editor review the evidence and the verdict before publication.
Verdicts
We use plain-language verdicts such as True, Mostly true, Misleading, Missing context, False and Unverified. The verdict always comes with an explanation of the evidence behind it and links to sources where they are public.
Updates
If new evidence emerges, we update the fact check, change the verdict if needed and note the date and nature of the change at the end of the article.
Suggest a claim
You can suggest a claim for us to check through the Contact page. Please include where you saw it and a link if possible.
Last updated: 16 October 2026