BBC WORLD SERVICE

Early day motion 876, tabled 24 February 2009 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 32 members.

That this House notes that staff from the BBC World Service's Urdu, Hindi and Nepali sections have voted to take strike action in protest against the management's plans to off-shore the three services; expresses grave concern at the BBC World Service management's decision to impose its plans to offshore 100 per cent. of Hindi output and 50 per cent. of Nepali and Urdu output, which will result in many job losses, worsened pay and conditions for staff who are moved overseas and could have serious consequences for editorial independence; and therefore urges the BBC World Service management to reconsider its position and enter into a positive dialogue with the unions representing BBC World Service's staff.

Signatures by party: Labour 24, Liberal Democrat 3, Independent 2, Scottish National Party 2, Conservative 1.