Brown seems determined to wreck BBC - Foster

12.30.41pm GMT Thu 18th Jan 2007

Commenting on reports that the BBC licence fee is to be cut in real terms by 0.5%, Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster MP said:

"Throughout its history, the BBC has had a proud tradition of setting the gold standard for television and radio. That reputation is now at risk.

"Licence fee payers, viewer organisations and unions all agree that they're prepared to pay more for a higher quality service. Instead they're going to pay less and get less.

"Plans for improved quality programming, local television and other new services may now have to be shelved.

"To make matters worse the Government is foisting the cost of its digital switchover policy onto licence fee payers.

"Today's decision is not just a blow to the BBC and its audience, it's also a major blow to Tessa Jowell, thanks to the clunking, tight-fist of the Chancellor.

"Tony Blair sought to bully the BBC over Iraq. His likely successor seems determined to wreck it."

Applicability: this item refers to the UK.