Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

<-- Back to proposed bills

Media Mergers Legislation

16 July 2025

Proposing MP
Stephanie Peacock Lab
Barnsley South
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
View on Parliament.uk -->

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses proposed regulations under the Enterprise Act 2002 concerning foreign state-owned investors' involvement in UK newspapers.

Action Requested

A consultation is being launched today, 16 July, and will run for eight weeks until 18 September to address concerns about multiple state-owned investors. Following this, a second statutory instrument will be laid later in the autumn to amend the legislation.

Key Facts

  • The Enterprise Act 2002 (Mergers Involving Newspaper Enterprises and Foreign Powers) Regulations 2025 permit foreign SOIs to hold up to 15% of shares and voting rights in UK newspaper enterprises.
  • Concerns were raised about the risk of multiple state-owned investors acting on behalf of different states, each holding up to 15%.
  • The consultation will be open from 16 July until 18 September.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy