Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Telegraph Media Group: Proposed Sale to RedBird IMI

30 January 2024 · 19 other contributors

Opened by Julia Lopez Con Hornchurch and Upminster

Democracy & ElectionsForeign 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

Julia Lopez raised concerns about telegraph media group: proposed sale to redbird imi in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Telegraph Media Group is being acquired by RB Investco Ltd, triggering a public interest intervention notice by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
  • The Competition and Markets Authority is examining jurisdictional and competition matters related to the acquisition.
  • Ofcom is assessing public interest considerations, including media accuracy and freedom of expression.

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

Julia Lopez

I am in the position where I can only provide information that is publicly known regarding the acquisition of Telegraph Media Group by RB Investco Ltd, as the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has issued a public interest intervention notice. The process involves the Competition and Markets Authority to examine jurisdictional and competition matters and Ofcom for public interest considerations related to media, accurate news presentation, and free expression of opinion. Both reports are due on 11 March, after which the Secretary of State will make a decision without political or presentational concerns influencing her deliberations. I emphasise the importance of media freedom and its role in reflecting diverse views and upholding democratic values.

Other contributors (19)
  • Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford

    Question

    I express concern about foreign state ownership, specifically mentioning the purchase by a foreign state. I highlight the lack of protections for media as critical national infrastructure under current legislation. My questions are: if there are precedents worldwide of differing media values nations acquiring newspapers; whether the government will conduct a national security investigation; if their intervention in Vodafone’s sale sets a precedent for this case; and if they plan to extend either Defending Democracy Taskforce or the 17 sectors covered by the National Security and Investment Act to protect media.

    Minister reply

    I confirm that powers under the Enterprise Act 2002 allow us to examine issues of media freedom, and under the National Security Act 2023, there is an investigation role for the Cabinet Office. Both CMA and Ofcom will conduct detailed investigations, which will inform the Secretary of State's decision-making process on potential remedies or prevention of transactions.

  • Thangam Debbonaire Lab Bristol West

    Question

    The hon. Member for Bristol West expressed her frustration with the lack of answers from the Minister regarding the proposed acquisition of Telegraph Media Group. She questioned why the Secretary of State has granted an extension to the deadline by which she expects to receive reports from Ofcom and CMA, and whether there are plans to review existing rules on media ownership.

    Minister reply

    The hon. Lady was thanked for her intervention but was asked to allow space for the investigations being conducted by Ofcom and CMA to proceed unprejudiced.

  • Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green

    Question

    My right hon. Friend highlighted his concern over Government ownership of media institutions regardless of the current political context, and requested a new Public Interest Intervention Notice due to disruptions in the scrutiny process.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledged her right hon. Friend's concerns but emphasised that these processes need to remain watertight.

  • John Nicolson

    Question

    When hosting COP28, Sultan al-Jaber said there was “no science” behind the climate change emergency, and the questioner expressed concern about the influence of the UAE on the Telegraph takeover. He also highlighted the importance of a diverse media landscape in democracy.

    Minister reply

    The Minister agreed that Government ownership of any media institution could be concerning but stated she cannot comment further on specifics.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    My right hon. Friend suggested journalists at The Spectator and The Telegraph might re-record their articles if the takeover were to proceed, in analogy with Taylor Swift’s actions.

    Minister reply

    The Minister thanked her right hon. Friend for his mischievous suggestion but declined to comment on it.

  • John McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington

    Question

    My hon. Friend questioned whether the takeover would be healthy for democracy, especially regarding editorial independence and the need for sanctions if agreements are not kept.

    Minister reply

    The Minister agreed on these concerns but reiterated that she cannot comment further on specifics.

  • Michael Ellis

    Question

    My right hon. and learned Friend questioned whether political posturing should be considered when deciding this matter, which falls under the Secretary of State’s quasi-judicial functions.

    Minister reply

    The Minister agreed that legal principles must be followed but noted politicians’ views on media ownership are important.

  • Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

    Question

    The hon. Gentleman expressed concern about the national security implications of the proposed takeover and urged the Government to act decisively.

    Minister reply

    The Minister responded by thanking him for his views but stated that this was an opportunity for Members to express their opinions.

  • David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington

    Question

    My right hon. Friend questioned whether the Secretary of State should not take Murdoch’s ownership of The Times as a precedent if CMA and Ofcom conditionally approve the takeover.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledged that it is for the Secretary of State to make judgment calls based on the reports from CMA and Ofcom.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Can measures be put in place to secure editorial freedom in the long term and ensure trust?

    Minister reply

    Ofcom will look at accurate presentation of news and free expression when it makes its reports. This should give assurance about media considerations.

  • John Whittingdale Con Maldon

    Question

    Will the Government undertake a fundamental review of the media ownership regime as suggested in Ofcom's report five years ago?

    Minister reply

    The Media Bill will address some issues related to the changing media landscape, but further action can be taken once all stages are completed.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Question

    Are there any lessons for media freedom from university branch campuses in the UAE?

    Minister reply

    The Minister is not aware of this topic but will look into it to see if there are implications for UK's media landscape.

  • Damian Collins

    Question

    Does clarity on media ownership rules and a presumption against sovereign foreign state acquisitions need to be established?

    Minister reply

    Public interest intervention notices can impose restrictions, and further action may be required once the acquisition process is over.

  • John Redwood

    Question

    Should there be a policy of ruling out Government ownership of media organisations to simplify such interventions?

    Minister reply

    The Minister thanks her right hon. Friend for his simple point, which will likely be considered once the current case has passed.

  • Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West

    Question

    Would a Minister responsible in another state be as scrupulous with their answers?

    Minister reply

    Perhaps not.

  • James Sunderland

    Question

    How can we ensure that foreign ownership does not compromise national resilience and strategic independence?

    Minister reply

    The Government has broader national security powers for acquisitions, ensuring consideration of security implications.

  • Andy Carter

    Question

    Should the test applied to broadcast licences be rolled over to news websites and publishers with significant scale?

    Minister reply

    Regulation of online content alongside standard broadcasting is being considered; some BBC's online material will also be regulated similarly.

  • Neil O'Brien Con Harborough, Oadby and Wigston

    Question

    Should a Public Interest Intervention Notice be issued on the debt to ensure control over the situation?

    Minister reply

    A PIIN has already been issued; further actions will depend on Secretary of State's considerations.

Shadow Comment

Alicia Kearns

I express concern about foreign state ownership, specifically mentioning the purchase by a foreign state. I highlight the lack of protections for media as critical national infrastructure under current legislation. My questions are: if there are precedents worldwide of differing media values nations acquiring newspapers; whether the government will conduct a national security investigation; if their intervention in Vodafone’s sale sets a precedent for this case; and if they plan to extend either Defending Democracy Taskforce or the 17 sectors covered by the National Security and Investment Act to protect media.

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