(1 year, 8 months ago)
Commons Chamber(4 years, 5 months ago)
Commons ChamberMay I compliment you on your choice of tie, Mr Speaker? Barrow Raiders will be delighted.
I associate myself with the comments of my colleagues who have raised the prospect of job cuts at regional news services. At a time when local media are struggling, we need trusted local news services, which keep places such as Cumbria informed, provide companionship and hold those in power to account. In a place like Cumbria, any cuts will fall disproportionately on the excellent local teams, because there are so few people there already. Does my right hon. Friend the Minister agree that salami-slicing such organisations will help no one, including the BBC if it wants to meet its public service remit?