Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset has backed calls for an investigation by Ofcom into the proposed takeover of the Telegraph, the Sunday Telegraph and the Spectator by the RedBird IMI fund, an UAE-owned institution.
The investigation is called for in a letter from Rt Hon Robert Jenrick, MP, to Lucy Frazer, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and has been signed by more than 100 MPs from five political parties, including Richard Drax.
“As a former journalist, I prize freedom of the press,” says Drax. “This proposed takeover is deeply concerning, particularly as it involves ownership of some significant titles by a foreign, state-owned entity.”
“The potential for editorial influence and censorship is obvious; we cannot allow our press freedom to be undermined in this way.”
“No other democracy in the world has allowed a media outlet to be controlled by a foreign government. I simply cannot believe that this is even being considered – we must investigate and reject it.”
“The free press is one of the pillars of our democracy; we should defend it to the hilt.”
A cross bench group of peers have tabled an amendment to the Digital Markets Bill currently before the House of Lords, which would prevent the sale without the approval of Parliament and which commands widespread support.