Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Raid of BBC Offices in India

21 February 2023 · 11 other contributors

Opened by David Rutley Con Congleton

Foreign AffairsCulture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

David Rutley raised concerns about raid of bbc offices in india in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Minister acknowledged urgent question about BBC office raids in India
  • UK Government respects BBC's operational and editorial independence
  • UK supports media freedom and rule of law, engages constructively with Indian authorities through initiatives like the Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship programme

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

David Rutley

The minister acknowledged the urgent question raised about the recent BBC office raids in India, stating that the UK Government respects operational and editorial independence of the BBC. He noted that while he cannot comment on specific allegations made by India’s Income Tax Department due to ongoing investigations, the UK supports media freedom and rule of law, engaging with Indian authorities constructively through initiatives like the Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship programme which has over 60 alumni from India.

Other contributors (11)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    The MP expressed concern about deliberate intimidation against the BBC following an unflattering documentary release and subsequent suppression of free speech. He also mentioned arrests of students screening the documentary, India-wide bans on platforms hosting it, and 14,000 media outlets shut down in recent years. Shannon questioned if the Government would summon the Indian high commissioner to raise these issues.

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledged the importance of media freedom but could not comment on specific allegations due to ongoing investigations involving the BBC's cooperation with Indian authorities. He emphasised that welfare support is provided for affected BBC staff, and the Government continues to monitor the situation.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    The MP highlighted the importance of relying less on sources in countries where reporting can be subject to retaliation, advocating for strong representation at home.

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledged BBC Monitoring’s important role and stated that the FCDO funds services in 12 languages including four Indian languages. He emphasised the continuation of these efforts to ensure an independent voice is heard globally.

  • Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East

    Question

    The MP expressed deep concern over raids on BBC offices, questioning the Government's discussions with both the BBC World Service and Indian counterparts about staff welfare and protection. He urged clear support for the BBC’s reporting.

    Minister reply

    The minister highlighted that the UK has broad and constructive relationships with India to discuss issues like media freedom. He stated that consular support is available if requested, and additional funding from the FCDO supports key language services.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Question

    The MP raised concerns about perceptions of the BBC as a British Government arm and questioned whether Indian income tax authorities had been investigating for seven years.

    Minister reply

    The minister confirmed that while the BBC has an independent voice, it is engaged in ongoing investigations with Indian authorities. He stressed that further comments are inappropriate at this stage.

  • Drew Hendry SNP Inverness N & Ross

    Question

    The SNP condemns the raids on BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai, raising concerns about diplomatic steps taken by FCDO and funding for BBC World Service. The MP also questions if the softly-softly approach towards India is still effective given recent events involving Jagtar Singh Johal.

    Minister reply

    The Minister highlights the importance of freedom of religion or belief, noting that the Government has provided funding specifically to ensure the BBC World Service can continue its independent work.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    Question

    Questions about the conversations held with the Indian counterpart to secure journalist safety and press freedom.

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirms that issues related to press freedoms are raised during wide-ranging discussions between UK and India.

  • Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

    Question

    Asks if the Government will consider contacting US and other democracies to pressure India regarding the raids on BBC offices.

    Minister reply

    The Minister understands the concern but is unable to comment specifically due to an ongoing investigation; however, he confirms that the UK supports freedom of media globally.

  • Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme

    Question

    Raises concerns about diminishing democracy in India and disregard for human rights with recent actions against BBC.

    Minister reply

    The Minister emphasises that the UK condemns any instances of discrimination based on religion, promoting freedom of media globally.

  • Martin Docherty SNP West Dunbartonshire

    Question

    Questions if there is concern about the politicisation of Indian justice and its implications for British citizens like Jagtar Singh Johal.

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirms that views on media freedom are communicated to other governments, emphasising the importance of such principles in robust democracies.

  • Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South

    Question

    Questions why the Foreign Office is not expressing a view about the recent bans and critical statements towards BBC by BJP.

    Minister reply

    The Minister asserts that standing up for BBC's integrity, funding it, and ensuring its editorial freedom are key principles that the UK believes in.

Shadow Comment

Jim Shannon

The shadow minister expressed concern about the raids being an act of intimidation following a documentary critical of India’s leader. He highlighted the suppression of free speech, arrests of students trying to screen the documentary, and the use of financial irregularities as justification for shutting down media outlets including Amnesty International and Greenpeace. Shannon questioned the UK Government's silence after signing a trade deal with India, suggesting it could be due to the timing of the raids.

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