LOCAL NEWSPAPERS AND COMMUNITY COHESION

Early day motion 503, tabled 19 January 2009 by Bob Spink (Independent). Signed by 51 members.

That this House congratulates local paid-for daily and free weekly papers on the service they provide for communities, particularly in keeping people informed about news, services and events in their area, campaigning on important local issues, helping to maintain a vibrant local economy, holding elected representatives to account, strengthening democracy and thereby helping to deliver social and economic cohesion for communities; regretfully notes the difficulties some local papers may experience in the current financial crisis; and calls on the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to meet representatives of the industry to discuss how local papers can continue to deliver a much cherished and needed service in the future.

Signatures by party: Labour 22, Liberal Democrat 18, Conservative 6, Independent 4, Plaid Cymru 1.