BBC pledge: your candidates’ responses

Dear Mr Milton
>
> Thank you for contacting me about BBC content.
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> I do not believe it is for politicians to comment on individual editorial or programming decisions so I cannot commit to opposing the BBC's plans to cut certain programmes or networks. These are matters for the BBC itself.
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> I can, however, say that Conservatives unequivocally support the BBC and the role it plays. We will protect public service broadcasting in this country as well as the BBC's ongoing independence.
>
> Best wishes
>
> Chris Grayling

Exactly the same wording as mine from the local Con candidate. Interestingly he replied using House of Commons paper even though the email was to prospective candidates. However despite the BBC not getting a mention in the Manifesto this would appear to be a firm policy so they could be held to account if they do otherwise.

_ Nick Ainger – Labour

Dear Mr. Price

I have now signed the 38 Degress' pledge and confirm that I will oppose to the BBC including the closure of BBC 6 Music and magazine titles.

I can aslo confirm that I will work to ensure continued investment in the BBC so that licence-payers can continue to receive the best possible selection of quality services and programmes.

I hope this is helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further comments or questions on this issue.

yours sincerely
N A Ainger
Nick Ainger MP

_ John Dixon – Plaid Cymru

Dear Mr Price,

Thank you for contacting me on this issue. I have signed the pledge, but
not without some reservation, which I have noted in a brief comment. But
I'd like to expand a little here.

Firstly, public service broadcasting is a very important part of the media
services available to us, and I would be keen to protect that. But opposing
specific changes may not necessarily be the best way, in the long term, of
protecting that which needs to be protected. Audiences and markets change,
and the BBC must have some freedom to respond to that – both by opening new
services, and also, occasionally, by cutting or changing other services.
And I'm far from convinced that allowing politicians – of any party – to
start dictating to a public service broadcaster which services must be
maintained is the best way of maintaining the level of independence from
political control which I think that the BBC should have.

I also tend to favour changing the way the BBC is organised, as part of a
process of devolution of responsibility for broadcasting to Wales.

So, in principle, I can entirely support the points which you make in your
second bullet point, but I'm not so convinced about all the details in the
first at this stage.

John Dixon
Ymgeisydd Plaid Cymru Candidate
Gorllewin Caerfyrddin a De Penfro / Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire

_Simon Hart – Welsh Conservatives

Thanks for your email. As a rule I am reluctant to sign up to petitions in advance of the election – even the ones I agree with, as we do not yet know the full reality of the public finances.

However it may reassure you to know that I generally am a big admirer of the BBC and would not willingly set about damaging it.

Best wishes,

Simon Hart

Thank you for contacting me about protecting the BBC and its services.

The Liberal Democrats are staunch supporters of the BBC. We believe it is one of the best Public Service Broadcasters in the world and provides good value for the Licence Fee. The Liberal Democrats have been alone among the major political parties in opposing plans to “top-slice” the licence fee to pay for other projects, which we believe would undermine the BBC’s independence.

We welcome the BBC’s commitment to review its services and to focus on the 5 key priorities of providing the best journalism in the world; inspiring knowledge, music and culture; supporting ambitious UK drama and comedy; providing outstanding children’s content and putting on events that bring communities and the nation together.

The BBC has over-reached in certain areas and we feel that it may be appropriate for it to scale back some of its activities. The Liberal Democrats have already argued, however, that the BBC appears to be using 6 Music and the Asian Network as “sacrificial lambs” and said that we do not support moves to axe them. Ultimately any moves to reduce the scope of the BBC’s activities or services must be carried out in consultation with licence fee payers.

Thus it would be premature to pledge to oppose all parts of the proposals contained in the review document before consultation has taken place.

In the long term, the Liberal Democrats are fully committed to ensuring the future of public sector broadcasting is properly resourced and to maintaining and strengthening investment in quality programmes. Crucial to this will be reforming the way that Public Service Broadcasting is regulated in the UK by replacing the BBC Trust with a fully independent Public Service Broadcasting Regulator.

I regret therefore that I am unable to sign the petition in its current form but I can promise that the Liberal Democrats are committed to protecting the BBC as the cornerstone of public service broadcasting in Britain, fully funded and independent from political interference.

Regards

Jeff Reid
Liberal Democrat candidate for Blyth Valley

Hi there, here is my positive response from my local labour MP.

Dear Ms Foley

Thank you for your email about the BBC.

I have now signed the 38 Degrees pledge and can confirm that I will oppose cuts to the BBC including the closure of the BBC 6 Music and magazine titles.

I can also confirm that I will work to ensure continued investment in the BBC so that licence-payers can continue to receive the best possible selection of quality services and programmes.

I hope this is helpful. Pease do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further comments or questions on this issue.

yours sincerely

Nick Ainger MP

acually I had the same response from Daniel Price below, as well from Simon Hart and John Dixon and here is a response below from John Gossage

BBC

I am very happy to support the BBC. It is one of the few really successful institutions we have managed to build over the past century and I am very reluctant to imperil it. I do not listen to 6Music or the Asian Network, though I can understand why those that do want them retained. I do use the website extensively and I should be very loath to see it curtailed, but I would be prepared to pay for it. I think it could be quite helpful to other media for the BBC to set such a course and it would provide another revenue stream for the corporation at a time when the future of the license fee is in doubt (although I for one will continue to support the license fee).

There are a number of hustings coming up in various parts of the constituency – if you would like details please contact me (or the other candidates).

Keep campaigning!

Best Wishes

John Gossage

Welsh Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire

01834 891270

Dear James,

Thank you for alerting me to the pledge to support the BBC.

I have a personal addiction to BBC radio (mainly to Radio 3 and and the news and topical comedy on 4, but also 6 Music and BBC7 when it all gets too depressing!) which alone make my licence fee well worth the cost. The Green Party supports high-quality and original public service programming, which commercial pressures would prevent other broadcasters doing. We also support the principle of providing services such as the Asian Network as it better reflects the diversity of British society and helps to reach out to people and communities who might otherwise feel ignored or marginalised. And like millions of people in the UK and abroad, I find the BBC website an invaluable and trustworthy source of news and information.

For all these reasons, I am very happy to sign up and have now done so.

If you have any further questions on this or other matters, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Barber
Green Party PPC for Stockport

38 Peel Moat Road, Stockport SK4 4PH
07799 418361

Replacement Dell Inspiron 6000 Laptop Battery UK , 11.1V,6 cell (4400mah), 9 cell (6600mah), 12 cell (7200mah)

BBC need to keep the Asian Network and 6 music we need these vital fresh and forward thinking programmes and a little less of the same old pop trash we are force fed everyday.
peace
marcina arnold

http://www.myspace.com/marcinaarnold

BBC need to keep the Asian Network and 6 music we need these vital fresh and forward thinking programmes and a little less of the same old pop trash we are force fed everyday.
peace
marcina arnold

http://www.myspace.com/marcinaarnold