The BBC cannot be trusted.
That's not only our view, but also the view of a growing number of Conservative MPs, including Philip Hollobone.
Speaking in a recent House of Commons debate on the BBC TV licence, the MP for Kettering said: "In 2017, the BBC agreed to take over the funding of free TV licences for over-75s in return for increased income from increases in the licence fee and other commercial funding streams.
"The BBC's behaviour since, in abolishing free TV licences, shows that it cannot be trusted. For its disgraceful treatment of pensioners, will the Secretary of State use the funding review in 2022 to scrap the licence fee altogether and let the BBC compete on a level playing field with other broadcasters?"
The Secretary of State, Nadine Dorries MP, replied: "I thank my Honourable Friend for his question. On the charter review, the mid-term review does begin - and we will start discussions - next year. The charter renewal, which is the point at which the future of the licence fee will be decided, does not take place until 2027.
"As I have just said, in those discussions the editorial perspective and a number of layers and things recently highlighted during the response to the Serota review are all under consideration, and my Honourable Friend's comments have been noted."
Ms Dorries added that it was her priority is to "secure a settlement that delivers value for money" while making sure the BBC can continue to provide "very high quality services".
She said: "I have been having constructive discussions with the BBC and I believe that we are close to reaching an agreement."
Several prominent campaigners have come out in opposition of the BBC's decision to renege on its promises to fund the over-75 TV licence.
Former England cricket captain Ian Botham, now a crossbench peer, said: "This is a scandal no-one is talking about it and it can't be right that our oldest are on the front line."
1 comment:
Do the BBC have dirt on MP's that want the licence fee scrapped or those in charge of the funding for the BBC?
It seems that some MP's say they want it scrapped them go quiet when it comes time to make decisions on the licence fee.
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