We face an unprecedented number of ex-prime ministers trying to spin their legacies, and an unprecedented number of outlets in which they can do so. This will not be helpful.
The choices we all make at the ballot box in the coming year will determine the way forward in a dangerous and uncertain world. We must have strong sources of trusted information to enable us to make decisions that are fully informed by facts, not fakes.
If some horrendous human rights abuse were uncovered in Dubai, and the Telegraph or Spectator neglected to cover it fully and frankly, competitors would be gifted the ultimate competitive advantage.
Mike Freer’s announcement is a significant milestone. As he prepares to leave the room, Labour is knocking on the door. We have little sense of how it would rearrange the furniture.
This will not be the last scandal to come to light and, given the impact of ITV’s drama, other scandals may get similar television treatment. The contaminated blood story would make searing viewing.
The channel will help to shape Tory members’ take on the general election, the Conservatives, Reform UK, Farage, post-election debate…and, not least, America’s own election, Trump and Biden.
Our deputy editor talks to Michael Portillo about the proposed purchase of the Daily Telegraph and Spectator by a financial alliance linked to the government of Abu Dhabi.
It’s starting to feel that this issue might also end up in the too-difficult box – and therefore that the sale might ultimately go through, regardless of what Lucy Frazer, the Culture Secretary, does in the immediate term.
The involvement of a fund linked to the Emirati government in a proposed purchase of the Spectator and Telegraph titles has sparked concern amongst Conservative MPs.
It’s past time that mainstream Tory politicians recognised these realities and engaged with it as an opportunity rather than as the broadcasting equivalent of a leper colony.
In a free market, consumers and businesses should be able to vote with their feet. Yet the current situation is more akin to Soviet-style central planning, with supply and demand in a digital market dictated by one or two companies.
Let’s be frank. What we’re seeing here is little more than a brazen attempt at censorship, a desire to virtue signal, and a clear demonstration of the disdain some of our politicians have towards large swathes of the population.
The Corporation’s guidelines to not require neutrality in the face of attacks on civilian targets. We know that because it regularly uses the word ‘terrorist’ in every context save this one.
Where the consumer is king, those who can best package the darker corners of ourselves can do very well indeed.
Whatever their political colours, people’s view of the issue looks clear. We will await the verdict of the Lords and the Secretary of State with interest.