Monday 9th January 2023

(1 year, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michelle Donelan Portrait Michelle Donelan
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We are laying a written ministerial statement today.

Jeremy Wright Portrait Sir Jeremy Wright (Kenilworth and Southam) (Con)
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Happy new year to you, Mr Speaker. I warmly welcome what my right hon. Friend has said. Is not the key point that Channel 4 operates in a distinctive niche in the broadcasting landscape, and everything we do should be designed to enhance that, not erode it? Is it not the case that what she has described today has the best chance of enhancing it, whereas privatisation would erode it?

Michelle Donelan Portrait Michelle Donelan
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I came to the same conclusion as my predecessor that the long-term sustainability of Channel 4 was questionable. That is why we put in place a package, which is different from that of my predecessor but has the same goal in mind of ensuring that Channel 4 can survive, thrive and flourish in the future.