Contributions
798 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDBBC LeadershipIt will not surprise the right hon. Gentleman to learn that I do not agree with that or with his characterisation of an institution that plays a vital role in this country. I…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipPerhaps I can hear my hon. Friend’s views about that over a few drinks later on.11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipI agree with the hon. Member. That is why this Government will also resist recent attacks on the institution itself by Members from across the House. The local democracy reporting…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipI agree with my hon. Friend. I pay tribute to the work that BBC Verify does in helping to empower our citizens to navigate a difficult news environment.11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipThat is a question for the BBC, and when members of the editorial committee appear before the Select Committee, I am sure that that is something the Committee will rightly…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipI do not agree with the hon. Lady’s characterisation of the BBC. It is not for the Secretary of State to start writing editorial guidelines for the BBC on the Floor of the House…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipMay I thank the hon. Gentleman? I know that the situation that has unfolded over the past week has been of serious concern to him. I say from the outset that I strongly agree with…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipWith permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement about the BBC. As the House will be aware, this weekend, the director general and the chief executive officer of BBC…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipIt will not surprise the hon. Gentleman to learn that I strongly disagree with him on the first point. On the latter point, the issue of accountability to the public, which my…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipAs somebody who has shared my frustrations at some of the failures at the BBC over the last 16 months, and at the response at times, I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipMy hon. Friend mentions the editorial guidance and standards committee, which has been the source of much debate and scrutiny over recent days. I have discussed this directly with…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipThe hon. Lady asks if we will stand up for the BBC, and she will have heard my words to the House today. The BBC is one of the most important institutions in the country, and it…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipThe charter review will provide us with an opportunity to do just that.11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipFirst, I welcome the action that the hon. Lady’s Select Committee is taking, which she has announced to the House. To maintain confidence in the BBC, it is absolutely essential…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipI thank my hon. Friend for her question. She will be aware that the charter sets a strict legal threshold that must be met before dismissal of a board member, so I am unable to…11 Nov 2025HANSARDPoints of OrderFurther to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I would like to make it clear that, as I have consistently said to the House, a very high legal threshold must be met in…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipThe right hon. Member asked me to use the office I hold to ensure that we get to the bottom of this and to ensure full transparency, and I will of course do that. The whole House…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipI agree with my hon. Friend first on the point he makes about the seriousness of some of the failings and the need to uphold the highest standards. I also agree about the…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipThe challenges the right hon. Gentleman describes do not specifically relate just to the BBC. I have voiced concerns, as have many Conservative Culture Secretaries previously,…11 Nov 2025HANSARDBBC LeadershipI do agree with my hon. Friend. As well as the very important issues around standards, I would add trust, accountability and independence from Government—any Government, including…11 Nov 2025