At about 4 p.m. this afternoon, the government is expected to break its silence on the UAE-backed bid for the Telegraph and The Spectator. Ministers have until now been quiet, saying they didn’t want to prejudge the inquiry process, but a rebellion from both houses and all parties in parliament has focused ministerial minds. The question is whether ‘foreign powers’, as defined by the National Security Act, should be allowed to own newspapers in whole or in part. And whether parliament should have the power of veto.

The test is whether ministers would allow any kind of part ownership on behalf of Sheikh Mansour or another ‘foreign power’

Tina Stowell, a Tory peer, has drafted an amendment to the Digital Markets Bill that would, if passed, give parliament this power. She has cross-benchers and Lib Dems behind her and Labour is likely to abstain. Robert Jenrick, the former immigration minister, says he now has about 150 Tory MPs willing to push it through the Commons if needs be. Labour’s Thangham Debbonaire, shadow culture secretary, has gone further than anyone, saying ‘foreign governments should not own national newspapers’.

To head off this rebellion, it’s expected that Lord Offard, a business minster, will promise (but not publish) the government’s own amendment. There’s some talk of it being even bolder than the rebel amendment by saying that ownership of the press by ‘foreign powers’ should be banned (as opposed to subject to parliamentary veto). This goes for even a 1 per cent stake. But some rebels fear this may be fake news, designed to take the wind out of Stowell’s sails.

If the government’s promises are strong enough, Stowell will withdraw her amendment and the Jenrick rebellion is off. The text of the government amendment would be introduced on the third reading (on 26 March) and if that falls short, the rebellion would be back on.

QOSHE - Politics / Will the government vote to veto foreign press ownership? - Fraser Nelson
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Politics / Will the government vote to veto foreign press ownership?

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13.03.2024

At about 4 p.m. this afternoon, the government is expected to break its silence on the UAE-backed bid for the Telegraph and The Spectator. Ministers have until now been quiet, saying they didn’t want to prejudge the inquiry process, but a rebellion from both houses and all parties in parliament has focused ministerial minds. The question is whether ‘foreign powers’, as defined by the National Security Act, should be allowed to own newspapers in whole or in........

© The Spectator


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