Ministers might again legal guidelines to permit veto over sale of the Telegraph
- More than 100 MPs have already pledged to again modification to Digital Markets
Ministers might again new legal guidelines that might give Parliament a veto over the proposed UAE-backed takeover of The Daily Telegraph.
Government officers have contacted Tory peer Baroness Stowell throughout the previous 48 hours about doubtlessly backing an modification she has tabled. It would enable the sale of UK publications to overseas states to be blocked.
More than 100 MPs have already pledged to again the modification to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill. But the Government may additionally throw its weight behind it if officers are glad the wording is watertight.
A call might be made within the coming days. ‘It must do what it says on the tin,’ a Government supply mentioned.
With authorities backing, this could increase the possibilities of it turning into regulation and would successfully take takeover choices out of the palms of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
Government officers have contacted Tory peer Baroness Stowell throughout the previous 48 hours about doubtlessly backing an modification she has tabled. It would enable the sale of UK publications to overseas states to be blocked (File Photo)
In a letter to Rishi Sunak, printed in yesterday’s Daily Telegraph, Baroness Stowell wrote: ‘Allowing overseas governments to personal such a vital and delicate a part of our nation would injury public confidence’ (File Photo)
Investigations into the takeover by watchdogs Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority are set to conclude on Monday.
They had been ordered by Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer as a result of considerations over ‘correct presentation of reports and free expression of opinion in newspapers’.
In a letter to Rishi Sunak, printed in yesterday’s Daily Telegraph, Baroness Stowell wrote: ‘Allowing overseas governments to personal such a vital and delicate a part of our nation would injury public confidence’.
RedBird IMI, a fund 75 per cent backed by the UAE’s vice-president, has positioned itself to take management of the Telegraph in a fancy £1.2billion debt deal.
