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Media Green Paper
24 June 2026
Lead MP
Lisa Nandy
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Culture, Media & Sport
Other Contributors: 35
At a Glance
Lisa Nandy raised concerns about media green paper in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Yesterday, the Government published a Green Paper titled 'Watch this Space' to set a new strategic direction for media policy in the UK. The statement highlighted that television is undergoing profound changes, moving from traditional channels to a fragmented system where people access TV on demand and through video-sharing platforms. The proposal includes three key areas: digital prominence, transition to internet TV, and protecting major sporting events. Digital prominence involves legislative options to make public service media content easily discoverable on social media and connected TVs; the transition to internet TV aims at a managed shift from terrestrial broadcasting to IPTV with proposed switchover dates of 2034 or 2044; and adding on-demand rights for major sporting events to ensure free universal fan access. The aim is to provide high-quality programming that informs, educates and entertains people regardless of their access method.
Nigel Huddleston
Con
Mid Worcestershire
Question
Welcoming the strategy's positive elements but raising concerns over digital terrestrial transmission closure and media literacy responsibility. He questioned the definition of trustworthy news providers, expressing fears about freedom of speech restrictions and potential bias in content from public service broadcasters.
Minister reply
Acknowledging the challenges, Lisa Nandy emphasised working with industry to ensure a smooth transition for remote areas, older people, and those with disabilities. She also stressed the importance of media literacy as a collective responsibility involving schools and public figures. On defining trustworthy news, she noted it is a challenging aspect under consultation, pushing back against criticisms of the BBC by highlighting its global trustworthiness.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Question
Welcoming the Green Paper, Dr Huq inquired about upholding independent journalism amidst algorithmically driven content. She also questioned the effectiveness of Ofcom's measures regarding GB News.
Minister reply
Acknowledging the concerns raised by Dr Huq, Minister Nandy highlighted the Government’s local media strategy and efforts to ensure that quality news is accessible online, especially for children. She mentioned recent appointments at Ofcom and the need for decisive action against misinformation.
Question
Sabine questioned the financial challenges faced by public service broadcasters like the BBC and proposed a solution to fully fund the BBC World Service through FCDO budgets. She also criticised social media platforms as rigged against truth, fairness, and impartiality.
Minister reply
Minister Nandy acknowledged the pressing issues and mentioned ongoing efforts with DCMS and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to address misinformation. Regarding BBC funding, she noted steps taken by the Government in consultation with FCDO and announced plans for a permanent charter review to ensure adequate funding.
Question
Irons declared her background in public service broadcasting and welcomed the thinking on protecting British media. She sought further details on how changes will safeguard high-quality news and content opportunities.
Minister reply
Minister Nandy emphasised the importance of public service media as part of the civic realm, ensuring that these broadcasters are adequately funded to continue providing shared moments for national unity.
Gosport
Question
Dinenage highlighted rapid changes in the media landscape and suggested a new definition of television reflecting technological advancements. She also advocated for AI literacy as part of future-proofing.
Minister reply
Minister Nandy agreed on the need for legislation to keep pace with change, emphasising the importance of regulation and empowering citizens with skills to navigate AI.
Question
Myer voiced concerns about disinformation from adversaries abroad and urged a cohesive approach across Government departments to tackle this issue.
Minister reply
Minister Nandy reassured Myer, stating her close work with relevant Secretaries of State and the Home Secretary on joint efforts to address misinformation and disinformation.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Question
Hinds raised historical precedents regarding press licensing and questioned the definition of news sources promoted by the Green Paper.
Minister reply
Minister Nandy agreed that promoting public service broadcasters alone could be a missed opportunity, thus questioning in consultation whether major national newspapers and local trusted news sources should also be considered.
Salford and Eccles
Question
The Secretary of State’s dedication to trusted news and promoting public service media is welcome, but recent cuts at STV and the BBC put these at risk. Will she intervene urgently?
Minister reply
Government talks with journalism trade unions to protect jobs and technical staff during cuts; transition needs careful management due to tight funding.
Question
What plans does the Secretary of State have to enhance media literacy and tackle disinformation, ensuring security services have necessary resources?
Minister reply
Agrees with concerns about disinformation; Green Paper focuses on media literacy but more work is needed across Government fronts.
Question
Is the Secretary of State concerned that terrestrial TV switch-off could cut off communities from resilient communication, willing to meet?
Minister reply
Confident in managing transition; offers meeting with relevant Minister.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
How will BBC World Service discontinuing longwave transmitters impact information access in closed societies like Russia?
Minister reply
Will ensure written question is answered promptly; willing to discuss further.
Question
Can the Secretary of State reassure that any transition towards internet-based TV will be carefully managed, especially for less confident online users?
Minister reply
Happy to assure on managing transition with focus on access and affordability; working closely with industry.
Robert Jenrick
Con
Newark
Question
Is defining trusted news by Government or civil servants not a serious attack on freedom of press and speech?
Minister reply
Claims this is about protecting public service media; definition already in law without concerns, aligning with editors’ code.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester, Withington
Question
Is the Secretary State disappointed in some Opposition contributions regarding trusted news prominence? Is it not vital for trustworthy information access?
Minister reply
Agrees; younger generation needs easier access to high-quality content and trusted sources.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Should a media Bill be considered with wide-ranging powers to keep up with technological changes?
Minister reply
Proposes merit in such measures but raises question of necessary oversight and scrutiny.
Question
Is there risk of fake news polluting accurate information from trusted sites, demonstrating need for trusted sources online?
Minister reply
Agrees; financial pressure on trusted sources necessitates measures like local media strategy to ensure prominence.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and North Perthshire
Question
How will the Secretary of State tackle misinformation, harmful content, and promotion of trusted sources amidst undermining?
Minister reply
TV Green Paper addresses this; regulation, enforcement by Ofcom, and prominence measures are essential parts.
Question
Welcomes the Green Paper and asks about ensuring prominence for trusted sources of information in an age where people increasingly rely on social media and AI chatbots.
Minister reply
Discusses meeting with the publishing industry to protect original sources, emphasises the need for media literacy across all generations.
Oliver Dowden
Con
Hertsmere
Question
Urges the Government to be open-minded during the consultation and warns about imposing excessive costs and bureaucracy on broadcasters. Highlights the contentious nature of defining 'trustworthy news'.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need for a careful approach, expresses concern over blurring lines between news and polemic, aims to empower citizens with skills to navigate the new media landscape.
Question
Concerned about BBC cuts and their impact on programmes that educate and inform in an age of disinformation.
Minister reply
Acknowledges concerns over cuts, expresses worry about the funding challenges faced by the BBC due to fewer licence fee payers, supports a range of options through charter process to tackle this issue.
Question
Questions if BBC programme cuts undermine its mission to educate and inform in an age where disinformation is on the rise.
Minister reply
Confirms funding challenges for the BBC, supports a range of options through charter process to protect high-quality programming.
Question
Raises concerns about misinformation spreading rapidly across local communities and calls for more support for trusted local news services.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the impact of misinformation on social cohesion, highlights recent publication of a local media strategy to support publications like the Liverpool Echo.
Question
Asks the Secretary of State to use her influence in the northern powerhouse Cabinet to ensure broadband roll-out across rural and remote areas.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the centrality of broadband access, expresses commitment to work with him to avoid leaving his constituents behind.
Question
Urges support for trusted news sources as a powerful response to misinformation and disinformation online.
Minister reply
Shares concern about the deputy chairman of the Conservative party's response, expresses commitment to high standards in public life.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Question
Welcomes the Green Paper but calls for the Leveson inquiry and its proposals not to be forgotten. Raises concerns about young people relying on anonymous social media content.
Minister reply
Acknowledges serious concern about how young people consume news, discusses need for action in this space.
Gosport
Question
Paying tribute to local newspapers like Harlow’s, he raises the issue of AI-generated summaries potentially undermining trusted news sources and asks if there is a danger that without support from both government and tech companies, these trusted sources will struggle to continue.
Minister reply
Acknowledging the concern about AI's impact on traditional media, the minister assures that she has been working with the publishing industry to protect high-quality content and local news providers. She mentions plans for a strategy to address local 'news deserts'.
Martin Vickers
Con
Cleethorpes
Question
Expressing long-term reliance on BBC services, the MP raises concern over recent budget cuts and asks if these will impact public service programmes more than commercial ones, also mentioning concerns about local radio news coverage. He requests that the Secretary of State convey his views to the BBC.
Minister reply
The minister agrees to relay the hon. Gentleman’s concerns to the BBC and emphasises the importance of local radio.
Ann Davies
Lab
Gower
Question
Referring to the new media Green Paper, Ann Davies expresses concern about Welsh-language content funding cuts, questioning how the Secretary of State plans to protect such content.
Minister reply
The minister confirms her discussions with BBC leadership on the importance of regional footprints and pledges more funding dispersal outside London through the charter review process.
Greg Smith
Con
Ilford North
Question
Citing concerns about technology transition from TV to IP, Greg Smith urges closer cooperation between DSIT and government to ensure no one is left behind with slow internet speeds in rural communities.
Minister reply
The minister assures the hon. Gentleman of close collaboration between media departments and DSIT to address technological disparities.
Joshua Reynolds
Ind
North West Durham
Question
Raising concerns about AI-generated fake news images becoming mainstream, he asks how the Government plans to regulate social media platforms.
Minister reply
The minister confirms discussions with DSIT colleagues on regulating online spaces to prevent dissemination of fake content.
Neil Hudson
Con
Tehume
Question
Expressing worry about terrestrial TV broadcast cessation from 2034, the MP seeks reassurance that these changes will not affect vulnerable populations.
Minister reply
The minister reiterates commitment to manage the transition carefully and ensure no one is left behind during this process.
Ayoub Khan
Con
Rushcliffe
Question
Welcoming the Green Paper, Ayoub Khan questions how to ensure media plurality in the face of deep-pocketed entities gaining prominence.
Minister reply
The minister aims to protect media diversity and improve access to high-quality content while acknowledging the need for adapting to changes in media consumption.
Ashley Fox
Con
Beaconsfield
Question
Concerned about rural constituents' lack of broadband coverage, Ashley Fox questions how proposals like ending terrestrial broadcasts by 2034 will affect these communities.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the challenges in her own constituency and pledges to work with industry to ensure no one is left behind during transitions.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Highlighting the reliance of nearly half a million Northern Irish households on digital terrestrial TV, Jim Shannon seeks guarantees that rural and vulnerable communities will not face 'digital blackouts'.
Minister reply
The minister commits to addressing specific challenges in regions like Northern Ireland through close cooperation with relevant departments.
Shadow Comment
Nigel Huddleston
Shadow Comment
Acknowledging the positive elements in the strategy such as on-demand rights for sports events and the intent to ensure everyone has access to trustworthy news, Nigel Huddleston raised concerns about controversial aspects including the closure of digital terrestrial transmission by 2034 or 2044, particularly impacting remote areas. He questioned who would define 'trustworthy' content and if a state-backed regulator might be required for newspapers seeking prominence. Furthermore, he criticised potential bias in public service broadcasting like the BBC.
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