Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Minority Language Broadcasting

Wednesday 21 January 2026 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Torcuil Crichton inquired about Gaelic representation in broadcasting, mentioning a reality show star from the Isle of Lewis.
  • Ben Lake asked the Minister to ensure that S4C is included in Ofcom's draft code of practice for digital platform prominence.
  • Ruth Jones questioned the Minister about discussions with S4C and other broadcasters to develop the Welsh language across Wales and internationally.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Torcuil Crichton Lab Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question arises from the disparity in funding between S4C and BBC Alba, with S4C receiving £7.5 million annually for digital broadcasting while BBC Alba receives nothing.

Question

Welsh does very well out of broadcasting, but I am glad that the Western Isles are well represented on the airwaves just now. The stand-out star of this season's “The Traitors” is Stephen Libby from the Isle of Lewis—I think he is going to win it this weekend. I am glad that Gaelic has its place in the Government’s Green Paper on broadcasting, but the UK Government give S4C £7.5 million a year to develop digital broadcasting, while BBC Alba, the Scottish channel, gets nothing. Will the Minister join me in my efforts to get the UK Government to re-engage with Gaelic broadcasting as a cultural and economic dynamo?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)

I think we are all glued to “The Traitors” this season. With the exodus from the Tory Benches to Reform, it is hard not to believe that we are living through a real-life “Traitors”. I thank my hon. Friend for his question. Welsh and Gaelic were the first languages of their nations, and have a strong social, cultural and economic significance. As a Welsh speaker, I know just how important that is. The Government recognise the contribution that MG Alba makes to the lives of Gaelic speakers across Scotland and the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to securing funding for Gaelic broadcasting similar to S4C’s support for Welsh

How: Did Not Address The Specific Funding Disparity

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Q2 Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Ofcom is consulting on a draft code of practice to ensure prominence for public service broadcasters like S4C on digital platforms.

Question

The Minister will be aware that Ofcom is consulting on a draft code of practice on the prominence of public service broadcasters on digital platforms. Does she agree that it is essential that S4C is included in any measures that come out of that consultation, so that it is given greater prominence on smart TVs and other digital platforms?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)

The hon. Member raises a very important point—one that I regularly discuss with S4C and my colleagues in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It is fantastic news that last week, the BBC and S4C announced plans for a major new streaming partnership, giving greater prominence to S4C on iPlayer, but I know that there is more to do on this issue, and I will continue to work with my colleagues and broadcasters on this matter.

Answered
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Q3 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Wales Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The Welsh Affairs Committee has been taking evidence from the leadership of S4C about its future plans.

Question

The Welsh Affairs Committee took evidence from the chief executive officer and chair of S4C last week, and it was good to hear their plans for the future. What discussions has the Minister had with S4C and other broadcasters to further the development of the Welsh language across Wales and beyond?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)

I thank my hon. Friend for her question about the importance and sustainability of S4C, which is, crucially, reflected in the BBC charter review, launched in December. I will continue to have those conversations with my colleagues, both here and in the Welsh Government, and with the broadcasters.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details of ongoing discussions

How: Did Not Specify Concrete Actions Or Timelines

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