Sky/21st Century Fox: Proposed Merger

Ruth Cadbury Excerpts

Monday 6th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Karen Bradley]

Based on the evidence that I have seen so far, I am minded to refer this matter to Ofcom on the basis of media plurality, but I await further representations before making a final decision.

[Ruth Cadbury (Brentford and Isleworth) (Lab)]

More than 8,000 people work at Sky’s head office and broadcast facilities in my constituency. When the original bid was abandoned in 2011, David Cameron said that it was the “right decision” for the country. Will the Minister ensure that this deal receives the fullest possible scrutiny?

[Karen Bradley]

I have come to the House today to say that I am minded to refer the matter to Ofcom. I await further recommendations, which I will look at carefully, and I will return to this House when I have made a final decision on whether to intervene.