UK Newspapers and News Magazines: Foreign Investment

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay Excerpts

Thursday 27th March 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay (Con)]

My Lords, I sympathise with the position that the Minister is in, but it is more than a year since the House passed what is now the Media Act 2024, and, even accounting for the general election, it is eight months since the consultation on this matter closed. As she will have heard from the questions across the House, this is causing concern for the staff and readers of the Telegraph. It is giving rise to questions about what representations the Government are receiving from other governments. It is also adding to confusion about the policy intent. Our understanding was always that foreign powers, as defined under the 2024 Act, will not qualify for an exemption. Is that still the case? Is she able to shed any light on that matter between now and the measure that she will bring forward?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I genuinely do not underestimate the frustration that noble Lords feel on this point. In relation to the future of the Telegraph, there is a pre-emptive action order in place which prevents parties taking action to transfer ownership or control of the Telegraph, integrate the Telegraph business into other enterprise, or make any significant changes to the structural management of the Telegraph without the Secretary of State’s consent. This is to safeguard the business and its employees during the sale process. I can only restate the Government’s position, which is that I will be able to report back to your Lordships’ House very soon. I have highlighted to the department that there will be a debate shortly after Easter in which this issue is likely to come up again.