4 January 2023

Mayor of West Yorkshire responds to reports that the Culture Secretary has recommended dropping Channel 4 privatisation

Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“Finally, we have a Culture Secretary who has listened to those of us who have long argued that the privatisation of Channel 4 made no sense.

“Not only did it risk losing the channel's commitment to diversity and inclusion, but also the vast economic benefits it brings to places like West Yorkshire at a time when the UK economy is crying out for growth and stability.

"If the Government are truly behind levelling up, they should be supporting our creative sectors to be the driving force.

“I hope Ministers can now draw a line under this saga and concentrate on solving the real problems our country is facing.”