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Telegraph Media Group: Proposed Sale to RedBird IMI
30 January 2024
Lead MP
Julia Lopez
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Democracy & ElectionsForeign AffairsCulture, Media & SportBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 19
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Democracy & ElectionsForeign AffairsCulture, Media & SportBusiness & Trade
Government Statement
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Shadow Comment
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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