Rupert Murdoch and News Corporation Bid for BSkyB

Debate between Frank Dobson and George Eustice

Wednesday 13th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[George Eustice]

I entirely agree. We need to keep the issues separate, but as I said earlier, given all that is going on, it is right—

[Frank Dobson (Holborn and St Pancras) (Lab)]

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

[George Eustice]

I will not give way. I am sorry. I have given way enough and we are nearly out of time.

We need to change the culture in which, over decades, the press barons have been led to believe that they can decide policy. It is no wonder, if they have had so many politicians coming to court them and seek their support. We need to try and get over that culture, and change things for the better. By weakening the press barons, we could strengthen journalism. It is important that we approach the debate in the right tone. We should be clear that we are not trying to stifle free speech, but that our objective is to strengthen journalism itself.