Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 11 Nov 2025 BBC Leadership
"I welcome the tone of the statement, but this is not just about editorial challenges for the BBC; there has been a total lack of deftness in dealing with talent-related issues and other scandals over the past few years. There are also governance issues with BBC Studios—a commercial organisation with …..." Julian Smith - View Speech
"I thank the Minister for that answer and for the constructive debate a week or so ago. May I press her on timing—as she said, this is important for consumers, businesses and the legal sector—and test her on the opportunities for early dispute resolution, which were mentioned in the CJC …..." Julian Smith - View Speech
"It is great to hear of these commercial companies doing so much good work. I think of FinTrU in Derry, which is actively recruiting autistic people because of the skills and values they have. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that we have to much more effectively match those companies with …..." Julian Smith - View Speech
"I echo tributes to the train staff and emergency services, and to the Home Secretary and her team, who I am sure were working flat out all weekend. The case is being investigated, but given the events of Saturday and in the run-up to Saturday night, can I urge her …..." Julian Smith - View Speech
That this House has considered the Civil Justice Council’s review of litigation funding.
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Harris. I refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests—until the summer, I was voluntary chair of the …..." Julian Smith - View Speech
"I agree with the hon. Member; the Vodafone case, which involved franchisees across the UK, is another example of how litigation funding can help.
The Supreme Court’s judgment in the PACCAR case in July 2023, which involved a claim against truck manufacturers for anti-competitive behaviour, rendered many third-party funding agreements …..." Julian Smith - View Speech
"I agree with the hon. Member; I will come to some protections that I think he might be attracted by.
The last election stopped the Litigation Funding Agreements (Enforceability) Bill, which was going to overturn the PACCAR judgment, but on 1 August 2024, Lord Ponsonby said in a written answer …..." Julian Smith - View Speech
"The Institute for Global Prosperity and CreativePower have produced an excellent report on the sheer impact of the World Service, which reaches 320 million people globally and is trusted by 75%. In a key market for the Government—India—75 million people listen to or watch the BBC. How will the Government …..." Julian Smith - View Speech