Motion text
That this House notes with concern the decision of BBC World Service to close the Sinhala radio broadcast service, which serves the Sinhalese majority in Sri Lanka who constitute around three-quarters of the population; notes that Sri Lanka has experienced much unrest in the last several decades, and is currently the subject of warnings from human rights organisations regarding the deteriorating situation, resulting in its inclusion in the FCO's top 30 Human RIghts Priority Countries; further notes the potential security implications posed by the country’s developing relationship with the People’s Republic of China; understands the long term strategy of investing in building digital audiences, but observes that currently 7% of the SInhalese population listen to the radio service each week, compared to just 0.6% who use digital services; and therefore calls on BBC management to reverse the closure announcement and continue to invest in this valuable news service.
Signatures (17)
The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.
Morris, Grahame
Labour
Signed on
26 November 2020
McDonnell, John
Labour
Signed on
27 November 2020
Osborne, Kate
Labour
Signed on
30 November 2020
Webbe, Claudia
Independent
Signed on
30 November 2020
Hanna, Claire
Social Democratic & Labour Party
Signed on
30 November 2020
Cooper, Daisy
Liberal Democrat
Signed on
30 November 2020
In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.
Nicolson, John
Scottish National Party
Signed on
30 November 2020
Barker, Paula
Labour
Signed on
30 November 2020
Long Bailey, Rebecca
Labour
Signed on
30 November 2020
Hopkins, Rachel
Labour
Signed on
30 November 2020
Abbott, Ms Diane
Labour
Signed on
30 November 2020
Shannon, Jim
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
1 December 2020
Hill, Mike
Labour
Signed on
1 December 2020
Johnson, Kim
Labour
Signed on
7 December 2020
Stephens, Chris
Scottish National Party
Signed on
7 December 2020
Ribeiro-Addy, Bell
Labour
Signed on
17 December 2020
Foy, Mary Kelly
Labour
Signed on
17 December 2020
There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.