Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

BBC Mid-term Review

Thursday 9 March 2023 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The mid-term review is an important milestone in the Government's roadmap to BBC reform.
  • The requirement for political impartiality must cover all BBC presenters, including the highest paid.
  • The Secretary of State is awaiting the outcome of an investigation into the BBC chairman's involvement with the former Prime Minister.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Whittingdale Con Maldon
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

MP inquired about the timeline for publishing the BBC's mid-term review, a critical milestone in BBC reform.

Question

When she plans to publish the BBC mid-term review. I know that my right hon. Friend has a keen interest in this matter and a great deal of knowledge on it. I was pleased to discuss this matter, and a number of others, with him very recently. The mid-term review is an important milestone in the Government's road map to BBC reform.

Answer from Lucy Frazer

The mid-term review is an important milestone in the Government's road map to BBC reform, and work is well under way. We are currently analysing feedback from a wide range of stakeholders and will set out the detail on the timetable in due course.

Partly answered

How: Will Set Out The Detail On The Timetable In Due Course

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Q2 John Whittingdale Con Maldon
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

MP asked about the requirement for BBC presenters to be politically impartial, including freelancers.

Question

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the requirement to be politically impartial must cover all those who are presenters on the BBC, including the highest paid? While individual contracts are a matter for the BBC, will she confirm that the mid-term review will cover the issue of enforcement of that rule on freelancers, as well as full-time employees?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

As somebody whose grandmother escaped Nazi Germany in the 1930s, I think it is really disappointing and inappropriate to compare Government policy on immigration to events in Germany in the 1930s. It is important for the BBC to maintain impartiality if it is to retain the trust of the public, who pay the licence fee. The BBC is operationally independent, and I am pleased that the BBC will be speaking to Gary Lineker to remind him of his responsibilities in relation to social media.

How: As Somebody Whose Grandmother Escaped Nazi Germany In The 1930S, I Think It Is Really Disappointing And Inappropriate To Compare Government Policy On Immigration To Events In Germany In The 1930S

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Q3 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

MP requested a meeting with BBC director-general to review the contract of Gary Lineker, who presents himself as a sports presenter but has controversial views.

Question

Further to that, will she meet again with the director-general to ensure that the BBC reviews the contract of well-known multimillionaire lefty Lineker—who presents himself as a sports presenter with very scandalous views about Government policy—to decide whether he is a sports presenter or a political pundit who should be paid about £1.3 million less than he currently is from the public purse?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

I think that I have made my views on this subject clear. The BBC has a 10-point plan in relation to impartiality, but it is absolutely important that it maintains impartiality so that the public retain trust in it.

Partly answered

How: I Think That I Have Made My Views On This Subject Clear

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Q4 Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

MP questioned the immediate steps taken by the Secretary of State to restore public trust in BBC after revelations about the chairman receiving an £800,000 loan.

Question

It is now over six weeks since it was revealed that the chairman of the BBC helped the former Prime Minister to secure an £800,000 loan before he was selected for the job. Today he remains in post. What immediate steps has the Secretary of State taken to restore trust in the independence of the BBC, in the appointment system and in the Government?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

As the hon. Member will know, there is an investigation by the commissioner for employment. It is ongoing and I am awaiting the outcome.

How: It Is Ongoing And I Am Awaiting The Outcome

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