BBC Charter White Paper

Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury Excerpts

Wednesday 11th May 2016 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Neville-Rolfe]

I thank my noble friend for his kind words. As he says, we will certainly debate it, and the precise arrangements for the debate, voting and so on are matters for the usual channels.

[Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury (LD)]

Does the Minister agree that the BBC is a great British success, cherished by the public, admired throughout the world and hugely important to our economy as a cornerstone of the creative industries, and that all this will be threatened if its independence from government is undermined? Will she take the opportunity to agree with her colleague in the House of Commons, Damian Green, that independence is a red line and therefore there is no room for government appointees on a board involved in editorial decisions?

[Baroness Neville-Rolfe]

I agree that the BBC is a huge British success story in so many ways, soft power included. We should wait until tomorrow to see the precise terms of the White Paper, but close to our hearts is ensuring independence.