PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING

Early day motion 2151, tabled 26 October 2009 by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour). Signed by 52 members.

That this House recognises the important and unique contribution the BBC makes to public life in the UK; believes that the licence fee is the best way to continue to fund BBC services; nevertheless also believes that competition to the BBC in public service broadcasting is important for the quality of the BBC's own programming, for the health of the UK's creative sector and for a functioning democracy; recognises that the pressures on commercial broadcasters are such that, without independent funding, plurality in services such as news in the nations and regions is no longer sustainable; and calls on all parties to unite to find a practical solution to the provision of public service broadcasting beyond, and in creative competition with, the BBC.

Signatures by party: Labour 36, Liberal Democrat 9, Conservative 5, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.