CUTS TO BBC NEWS PROGRAMMES

Early day motion 2234, tabled 26 March 2019 by Jo Stevens (Labour). Signed by 22 members.

That this House believes that at this critical time for the nation over Brexit negotiations, the availability for well-resourced, independent news and analysis is of paramount importance; is therefore deeply concerned that the BBC plans to merge two of radio's most important radio current affairs programmes, the World Service's NewsHour and Radio 4's The World Tonight; fears that such a merger would have a detrimental effect on the news coverage on both programmes and undermine the distinctive voice of the World Service; believes that savings could be better achieved by cutting executive salaries and management posts; and calls on BBC management to hold meaningful talks with the National Union of Journalists to develop a plan which preserves the quality and integrity of both these important programmes.

Signatures by party: Labour 13, Independent 2, Scottish National Party 2, Conservative 1, DUP 1, Green 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.