Culture Secretary prepared to legislate if Channel 4 resists move

The Culture Secretary Karen Bradley has reiterated her support for Channel 4’s relocation outside London after being pressed in Parliament on the lack of progress.

After a review into its future, the state-owned broadcaster was told in March that it needed to move large parts of its organisation out of London.

Channel 4 has been resistant to relocating, but there is a long list of regional cities hoping to give the broadcaster a home, including Leeds, Nottingham, Liverpool and the West Midlands.

Wolverhampton South West MP Eleanor Smith asked Bradley about what “recent discussions” she had had with Channel 4.

Bradley said: “The Government have made it clear that Channel 4 must have a major presence outside London. As a publicly owned broadcaster, it is essential that it reflects and provides for the country as a whole.”

Pressed for more details, Bradley added: “We are discussing with Channel 4 the appropriate way forward and what is appropriate for it to do. I make no comment on an appropriate place for it to relocate to.

“This is a decision for the board, but clearly if we cannot reach an agreement, we would need to legislate, and I welcome the fact that there is cross-party support for the private Member’s Bill on this matter.”