Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Doughty and Karen Bradley

Thursday 29th June 2017 Commons Chamber

[Karen Bradley]

My hon. Friend makes a very important point, and I am sure it will have been heard by those he refers to.

[Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op)]

5. What discussions she has had with the BBC on its plans for future investment in the nations and regions.

[The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Karen Bradley)]

I regularly engage with the BBC on a range of issues, including its plans to serve audiences in the nations and regions. I am confident that the BBC is committed to supporting the creative economies in each nation.

[Stephen Doughty]

The Secretary of State will be well aware of how proud I am that Cardiff South and Penarth is home to the Tardis, Torchwood, Cwmderi, Holby City’s A&E department, and so many others. We have had fantastic investment from the BBC in both the city centre and my constituency. Does she agree, however, that there needs to be more focus on ensuring that jobs and opportunities go to local people, particularly those living in deprived communities around those industries? We need to be getting everybody into the creative industries, which are a way of growing our economy.

[Karen Bradley]

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. The creative industry is one of our great strengths in this country. It can bring high-quality, high-value jobs to the nations and regions. As I said in answer to the previous question, I met the director-general and the chair of the BBC on Monday to discuss exactly that point.