Andy Burnham, the new Labour Prime Minister, has expressed concerns regarding the planned switch-off of Freeview TV by 2034. During his first Prime Minister’s Questions session, he acknowledged the significance of the issue, especially for elderly individuals in rural areas who rely heavily on terrestrial television.
Conservative MP David Mundell raised the matter, urging Mr Burnham to review the plans due to their potential impact on many constituents dependent on Freeview. Responding, Mr Burnham said, “I am concerned about those plans. I know some of my constituents in Makerfield rely on Freeview. There is perhaps an opportunity to look at this as part of the BBC’s charter renewal process.”
While he did not provide a definitive answer at the time, Mr Burnham assured he would give the issue a proper consideration, recognising its importance for voters.
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In the same parliamentary session, Mr Burnham delivered a confident and relatively non-partisan address, emphasising his vision for the coming decade. He stated, “When I stood outside Downing Street six weeks ago, I said Britain needs a circuit breaker after a decade of turbulence, negativity, point scoring and divisive politics.”
He outlined a clear and credible approach to growth aimed at fostering positivity and opportunity throughout the UK, emphasising “a place first rather than party first approach.” He highlighted government priorities, including ensuring that “no one sleeps rough and no community is blighted by an illegal waste tip.”
Concluding his statement, Mr Burnham expressed optimism about the future: “We can make this next decade better than the last. We can lift the prospects of all our people and places.”