Context
The draft Media Bill was published in March. The bill has faced several delays and changes due to policy evolutions and multiple Secretaries of State. Previous versions introduced in 2022 did not progress further.
Question
What is her planned timetable for the draft Media Bill? I appreciate that the Minister is back in post temporarily but he is an experienced former Secretary of State. The initial Bill was introduced in 2022. We have had three Secretaries of State, several U-turns and non-privatisation of Channel 4. The reality is that this Bill is hugely important for the media and television industry. Can the Minister guarantee that the Bill will pass all stages in this House and the other place before the general election? The industry cannot afford to have another Parliament where there is no Media Bill.
Answer from John Whittingdale
The Government published the Bill in draft at the end of March to allow for engagement on provisions within it. The measures are complex, and it is right that we take time to ensure they deliver for audiences and listeners. I look forward to receiving the recommendations from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee following its inquiry. The hon. Gentleman is right that policy has evolved, as indeed have the Ministers responsible for it over the last few years. This is a very important Bill for the media. It contains measures that were in the manifesto at the last election. We have published it in draft as a demonstration of our commitment to get it on to the statute book, and I hope we will do that as soon as possible.
Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific timetable or guarantee for the Bill's passage before the next general election.
How: Under Review, Policy Has Evolved
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)