JOB CUTS IN LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

Early day motion 1679, tabled 16 February 2006 by Austin Mitchell (Labour). Signed by 66 members.

That this House expresses its grave concern at the hundreds of jobs, including those of many journalists, which have been cut at local newspapers in recent weeks, including more than one in five journalists at the Manchester Evening News; notes that profit levels are up to 37 per cent. in some parts of the newspaper industry and that all local newspaper groups are making substantial profits; is concerned that coverage of local news, local and national politics, sport, arts and other events will suffer as a result of the cuts and mergers; and therefore urges newspaper proprietors to put investment in quality journalism at the heart of their future strategies.

Signatures by party: Labour 46, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 5, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1.