Last night, Ben Bradley MP took part in an Opposition Day debate on the Privatisation of Channel 4.
This topic is one that Mr Bradley has been vocal about in the past, and he has supported Government’s decision to privatise Channel 4.
During the debate, Mr Bradley said “I fundamentally believe the Government should not be involved in stuff they do not need to be involved in, and if the private sector can drive this kind of innovation, then it should.”
Mr Bradley also highlighted the fact that Channel 4 “will continue to play an important role in British life, because it makes some cracking content”. However, he said that the decision to privatise Channel 4 comes with “mutual benefits” and that he strongly believes “there is more potential for Channel 4 to compete and make tremendous progress in the private sector” as “State ownership is impractical in the long run”.
Mr Bradley previously pushed for the privatisation of Channel 4, and welcomed Government’s announcement in April that there would be a change of ownership for Channel 4, with privatisation giving the broadcaster the tools and freedom to flourish and thrive as a public service broadcaster. The proceeds of the sale will be reinvested into the creative sector, in independent production and creative skills, delivering a creative dividend for all.
Opposition days are days allocated in the House of Commons for the discussion of subjects chosen by the opposition (non-government) parties. There are 20 days allocated for this purpose per session (under Standing Order 14).
Commenting, Ben Bradley MP said:
“It was a pleasure to take part in this debate and interesting to hear viewpoints from across the House. Of course, there are many practical reasons why Channel 4’s current model of ownership is not sustainable long-term. However, I wanted to focus on the biggest question of all – what is the State for?
“As a council leader, I have started by questioning whether we do things as we do because it’s the best way, or because it’s how we have always done things. Often, it’s the latter!
“There is no practical reason why it should be the Government’s job to run television companies. I’m pleased with the decision to privatise Channel 4 as it’s brilliant to see a Conservative Government doing what I believe to be fundamentally Conservative things. We need a small-state, pro-enterprise, innovation-focused Government who are willing to give this industry the chance to succeed and compete, rather than sticking with state control because that’s how things have always been done.”
