Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan has launched a public consultation on whether non-payment of the TV licence fee should remain a criminal offence. At the moment, failure to pay the BBC television licence is a criminal offence which results in a penalty of up to £1000, and can even land dodgers in jail. Former Culture Secretary John Whittingdale defended the decision, telling Andrew Neil that there were “serious concerns” over the broadcaster’s coverage of recent political debates, such as Brexit.

Andrew Neil argued the “real reason” for the move was that the Government is “out for revenge” on the BBC.

Mr Whittingdale did not agree: “There are serious concerns about the way the BBC has covered some of the recent political debate, particularly the Brexit debate.

“I think the Government is quite entitled to express those concerns.

“But that is not the reason why we are considering whether or not to decriminalise.”

More to follow…

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