EDM of the week: BBC South East sacks “hugely popular” news presenters

Three MPs have signed an Early Day Motion complaining about the removal of two “hugely popular” local news presenters.

Nigel Waterson tabled the EDM, which has been signed by John McDonnell and Tim Loughton.

“That this House regrets the decision of BBC South East to replace their well-known presenters Beverley Thompson and Geoff Clark; notes that they are hugely popular with viewers in the region and highly respected for their experienced and reliable brand of journalism; hopes that there is no truth in the rumours that the decision was related in any way to their age; and calls on the BBC to reconsider the decision.”

EDMs can be tabled by any MP and are a way for them to raise matters of local or national interest, to complain or to praise.

Other eye-catching EDMs this week include one marking the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin and another backing the British Toilet Association’s campaign for better public toilets.

Austin Mitchell’s EDM about local television has been backed by more than 30 MPs.

“That this House notes the statement in the Digital Britain report that the Government wishes `to see local TV thrive’; believes that truly local television would make a significant contribution to public service broadcasting and democratic engagement in local communities;

“Acknowledges Ofcom’s view that broadband provision complements traditional public service broadcasting platforms; further notes Ofcom’s statement `that the potential for broadcasting spectrum to support local television should be kept open’;

“Recognises the UK’s commitment, as a signatory to the Council of Europe Declaration on Community Media, to the principle of allocating a sufficient number of frequencies to community media, both radio and television;

“Looks to the Government to implement the provisions in the Communications Act 2003 to ensure that a viable local television network is established ensuring all citizens have access to a dedicated channel on both Freeview and cable, providing local news, local discussion, community programming and local advertising.”