Sky and 21st Century Fox: Proposed Merger

Lord Elystan-Morgan Excerpts

Monday 6th March 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

I am not aware of the remark, but no doubt it can properly be brought to the attention of the Secretary of State.

[Lord Elystan-Morgan (CB)]

My Lords, the fact that the Secretary of State has seen fit to issue this statutory notice will give great satisfaction to most—if not all—Members of the other House. We well understand that these two grounds are not luxuries, not dainty sympathies, at all. They are principles that are central to the concept of liberty and the conduct of a well-ordered society. It is on that basis that we heartily welcome the Secretary of State’s decision.

[Lord Keen of Elie]

I am obliged to the noble Lord. I should make it clear that what the Secretary of State issued is a letter that states that she is minded to intervene: no decision has yet been made and none will be made until she has had the opportunity to consider responses to it over the next 10 days.