Tomorrow the House of Lords will consider an amendment to the Digital Markets Bill which would give parliament a veto over foreign states owning UK media outlets. The debate is prompted by the bid for the Telegraph and Spectator from Redbird IMI, an investment fund which is 75% owned by Sheikh Mansour, vice president and deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates.
Baroness Stowell, who has brought the Lords amendment, says she has support from Lib Dem and crossbench peers, as well as Conservative colleagues. In the Commons, Robert Jenrick’s letter in support of the Stowell plan has been signed by more than 100 MPs in five parties.
Reports scrutinising the proposed deal from Ofcom and the competition authorities were due to be delivered to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer last night. As she considers the findings and the Lords prepare for the debate, they might want to consider the views of the voters.
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