Press ownership by foreign states

Early day motion 1522, tabled 20 June 2025 by Max Wilkinson (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 64 members.

That this House recognises that a free press is the cornerstone of our democracy; understands that holding power to account relies on journalistic independence and editorial freedom; notes with concern that foreign state ownership of national newspapers risks allowing foreign states to undermine the independence and integrity of British journalism; further recognises that the Government’s proposed 15% non-cumulative threshold opens the door to foreign state influence in our press; and calls on the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to remove the right of foreign states to own any part of the British news media ecosystem immediately.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 58, Green 3, Conservative 1, DUP 1, Labour 1.