Future of BBC licence fee thrown into fresh doubt as Keir Starmer says he's keeping an ‘open mind' on its future
TV TAX DOUBT Future of BBC licence fee thrown into fresh doubt as Keir Starmer says he's keeping an 'open mind' on its future
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THE future of the BBC licence fee was last night thrown into doubt as Sir Keir Starmer said he kept an 'open mind' about it.
A review into the Corporation's charter is currently underway and is looking at areas including the funding model.
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Keir Starmer cast doubt on the future of the BBC licence fee by saying he's keeping an 'open mind' about it
Credit: AFP
The compulsory £174.50 telly tax has come under criticism in an age of more competition from other broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Culture Select Committee chair Dame Caroline Dineage yesterday challenged the PM on the future of the 'regressive tax'.
The PM replied: 'We're going through the review and it'll obviously come to its conclusion, and we keep an open mind on what we need to do with the licence fee.
"But we are working closely with the BBC.'
The BBC has recently drawn anger from government over its handling of the Gregg Wallace scandal and its reporting on the war in Gaza.
The broadcaster's annual report released earlier this month revealed competition from streaming services has created a "moment of real jeopardy for the sector".
An estimated 300,000 households have stopped paying.
The report revealed 23.8m licences were in force at the end of the year, down from 24.1m in 2023-24.
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The Herald Scotland
23 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Starmer told to demand Trump ends tariffs on Scotch whisky
Shock waves were sent through the Scottish whisky industry in April when Mr Trump announced 10% tariffs - a rise from zero tariffs - on imports of the product into the US. America is the largest export market by value for Scotch whisky, with 2024 figures showing the market was worth £971m to the industry. Single malt whisky was previously hit with a 25% tariff in 2019, during the first Trump presidency - a decision later estimated to have cost the industry around £600m over a two-year period. That tariff, which expired in 2021, came about due to a battle between the US and the EU over subsidies for plane makers Airbus and its American rival Boeing. READ MORE: Mark Kent, chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) said the US President's visit to Scotland "is a timely opportunity to highlight the enduringly positive relationship that has lasted between Scotland and the United States for centuries". He added: "It is underpinned by our diaspora who now call the United States home, and the cross-Atlantic trade which generates investment and creates jobs in communities across Scotland and in States across the US. "Scotch Whisky and US whiskey embody that close and abiding relationship. Our two great industries collaborate, invest and trade, and both have flourished under zero-tariff access to UK and US markets for over thirty years. The visit is a critical moment for the UK government to re-engage in discussions to remove the tariffs on Scotch Whisky in the industry's largest global market. 'We are urging the Prime Minister and ministers to push for tariff removal for Scotch [[Whisky]], and demonstrate the UK Government's commitment to ensuring a key UK export can thrive and grow.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will meet President Donald Trump on Monday (Image: PA) The Scottish Conservative's shadow cabinet secretary for business, economy, tourism and culture Murdo Fraser said: 'All tariffs are damaging, but when he meets President Trump, Keir Starmer must make the strongest possible case for protecting the whisky industry from additional taxes. 'Scotch whisky accounts for almost a quarter of the UK's entire food and drink exports and is worth more than £7billion to the economy, as well as supporting tens of thousands of jobs. 'The Prime Minister has a patchy record on negotiations, but this is a chance for him to stand up for Scotland's interests, and it's crucial he rises to the challenge.' Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: 'Securing tariff free access to American markets needs to be a top priority. The Scottish economy is already fragile from years of SNP neglect, it doesn't need any more upheaval. 'Scotch whisky producers will want to know with certainty what tariff rate they are likely to face going forward. 'Having rolled out the red carpet to Donald Trump, the pressure is now on to get a good deal for Scotland and the whole UK.' Scotch whisky accounts for three quarters of Scottish food and drink exports and about a quarter across the UK creating more than 40,000 jobs in Scotland. The industry is also a huge tourist attraction for domestic and international visitors. The US imported almost £1billion of Scotch last year and is a crucial international market for the industry but companies, including Diageo, Scotland's biggest whisky producer, have warned US tariffs could slash profits by hundreds of millions of pounds. More than 41,000 people are employed in the Scotch Whisky industry in Scotland and over 25,000 more jobs across the UK are supported by the industry In 2022, Scotch whisky accounted for 26% of all Scotland's international goods exports and 2% of all UK goods exports The Prime Minister is expected to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the war in Ukraine when he meets Mr Trump. On Monday, the leaders are expected to discuss progress on implementing the UK-US trade deal, hopes for a ceasefire in the Middle East and applying pressure on Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. They are also expected to talk one-on-one about advancing implementation of the landmark Economic Prosperity Deal so that citizens of both countries can benefit from boosted trade links between their two countries. The Prime Minister is also expected to welcome the president's administration working with Qatar and Egypt to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza. The US President played golf on Saturday and Sunday at his Turnberry golf course, and on Sunday afternoon met European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. After the meeting on Monday, Mr Starmer and Mr Trump will travel on together for a further private engagement in Aberdeen. Mr Trump is expected to meet First Minister John Swinney on Tuesday. The US President will visit the UK again in September for his second state visit. A spokesperson for Number 10 said it was expected they will discuss 'what more can be done to secure the ceasefire urgently, bring an end to the unspeakable suffering and starvation in Gaza and free the hostages who have been held so cruelly for so long'. The war in Ukraine will also be up for discussion with both politicians 'set to talk about their shared desire to bring an end to the barbaric war' according to Number 10, and expected to 'reflect on progress in their 50-day drive to arm Ukraine and force Putin to the negotiating table'. A spokesperson for the UK Government said: 'The UK and the US have one of the closest, most productive alliances the world has ever seen, working together to cooperate on defence, intelligence, technology and trade. 'The UK was the first country to agree a deal with the US that lowered tariffs on key sectors and has received one of the lowest reciprocal tariff rates in the world. 'Businesses in aerospace and autos are already benefiting from the strong relationship the UK has with the US and the deal agreed on May 8. 'The Government is working at pace with the US to go further to deliver benefits to working people on both sides of the Atlantic and to give UK industry the security it needs, protect vital jobs, and put more money in people's pockets through the Plan for Change.' Mr Trump teed off on Sunday morning, being welcomed by supporters who urged him "don't trust Starmer". The Republican leader arrived around 11am at the coastal course in Ayrshire and played golf with his son, Eric. Police were seen patrolling the golf course as associates played earlier in the morning before a huge motorcade of golf caddies arrived around 10.40am. Dressed in a white baseball cap branded 'USA', Mr Trump waved at journalists who shouted questions at him as he teed off. Supporters of the president carrying placards stood in the dunes urging him, "Don't trust Starmer", also shouting, "We love you Trump". Three people gathered to support the Republican leader, carrying a hand-painted placard which read: "President Trump don't trust Starmer". It branded the Prime Minister an explicit term, and was jointly held by a man dressed in black, who wore an Adidas baseball cap. A woman holding the sign wore a red baseball cap reading "Make America Great Again" with fake hair attached and appeared to laugh as she watched. Another female supporter dressed in a floral anorak, held an American flag and wore a baseball cap reading "Make England Great Again". She carried a smaller sign that also branded Starmer an explicit term. A female well-wisher could be heard repeatedly shouting "We love you Trump" and "thank you". Someone else shouted: "Trump, Trump, Trump, Trump". Meanwhile, a man was arrested at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening for allegedly carrying a placard calling [[Donald Trump]] an offensive word. The man, aged 20, was arrested next to the military airport in Ayrshire where Air Force One landed "for abusive behaviour and refusing to stop", according to Police Scotland. The force said on Saturday that no arrests had been made, although a 50-year-old woman was issued with a recorded police warning in connection with alleged threatening behaviour at a Stop Trump Scotland protest outside the US consulate in Edinburgh on Saturday. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A 20-year-old man was arrested next to Prestwick Airport on Friday for abusive behaviour and refusing to stop. "He was given a recorded police warning." The UK Government was approached for comment.
Daily Record
35 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Over 260,000 Scots out of work due to long term sickness or disability
EXCLUSIVE: The figures have prompted calls for the SNP Government to give people the support they need to get back to work. Over a quarter of a million Scots are out of work due to long-term sickness or having a disability after a rise caused by the pandemic. The SNP Government has now been urged to invest more in mental health and the NHS to help people back find jobs. Keir Starmer's Labour Government recently proposed tightening eligibility for disability and sickness benefits in a bid to slow the rate of social security spending. But the bulk of the plan was ditched amid claims people who genuinely need to be on benefits would be harmed. Despite the u-turn, Labour sources believe action will have to be taken by the UK and Scottish Governments to get people back into jobs. New figures reveal there are an estimated 269,000 people in Scotland aged 16-64 who gave their reason for being inactive as long-term sick or disabled. It works out at around one third of Scotland's economically inactive people in the same age group. This includes 35,200 people in Glasgow, 16,100 in North Lanarkshire, 14,100 in Fife, 14,000 in Edinburgh and 12,800 in South Lanarkshire. Critics say First Minister John Swinney needs to use his devolved powers to help people who can work into jobs. It was recently reported that Scots on disability benefits for conditions such as anxiety and depression are costing the taxpayer more than £1.3bn a year. Lib Dem MSP Jamie Greene, who uncovered the 269,000 figure, said: 'These figures show that across Scotland there are huge numbers who are economically inactive because they are off long-term sick. 'Of course, there will always be some for whom paid work is not a feasible option but for many more, if they got the right care, the right mental health support or the right career advice, they could find a role that fits them and their needs. 'It seems ridiculous that around five times more is being spent on social security payments for people with mental health conditions than is being specifically dedicated to helping them through the NHS and back into the workplace. 'Similarly, people waiting on autism and ADHD diagnoses are facing waiting lists that stretch into the years. 'We should be investing in the NHS to bring down these long waits. Not only is that the compassionate approach, but it would also be the sensible one economically, allowing people to get back to work. "The Scottish Government need to work urgently with health boards and local authorities on a new plan to support those who are long-term sick; one that tackles long waits for care, invests in mental health and offers tailored advice and support for those who need it.' Labour MSP Daniel Johnson said: 'It's clear far too many Scots are being locked out of work as a result of the SNP 's disastrous mismanagement of our health and social care systems. 'Under the SNP almost one in six Scots are stuck on NHS waiting lists, over 100,000 people have been waiting over a year, and ADHD and autism services have been effectively privatised. "As someone with ADHD, it makes me angry that the SNP is consigning people with ADHD and autism to the employment scrapheap. 'The SNP is robbing hundreds of thousands of Scots of their livelihoods and holding back our economy – it is time for a new direction.' However, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: 'Jamie Greene is correct that the Scottish Government should invest more into occupational health services and our healthcare system more generally. 'But he risks robbing Peter to pay Paul if he thinks that investment in mental health can come from social security budgets. Disability payments are a lifeline and prevent people falling into further ill-health. He is misguided to think that government savings should therefore be borne on the backs of the sick, disabled or those living with long term health conditions. 'With a growing blackhole in the public finances, projected to be £2.2 billion by 2030, the Scottish Government, if they properly use their powers of taxation, can afford to both give dignity and security to the long-term sick whilst fully funding our public services and creating well paid, secure jobs for those who need it. 'Progressive income and wealth taxes could enable the best of both worlds: a route into gainful employment whilst still providing a safety net for those in need of assistance. That's the route out of economic inactivity and we would encourage Mr Greene and his party to turn their attention to the wealthy instead of those on welfare.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'There will always be some people whose health conditions mean they cannot work, and they should be supported with dignity and respect. It is unacceptable that the UK Government is introducing a two-tier system which reduces the health element of Universal Credit for new applications and will see people losing around £3000 per year by 2029-30. Removing barriers for those who can enter the workplace is a priority for the Scottish Government. 'This is why we are improving our employability support services, including enhanced specialist support for people with disabilities and long term health conditions across all 32 local authorities in July 2025, and increasing access to health board services which support people in work.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
ANDREW PIERCE: How humiliating! Starmer could lose seat to Corbyn ally
After his disastrous first 12 months in No 10, most polls already point to Sir Keir Starmer losing the next general election. But will he forfeit his Commons seat as well? That indignity looks increasingly likely thanks to the efforts of his predecessor as Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who was expelled from the party last May. Over the past week, Jezza's newly launched rival party has set up shop in Holborn & St Pancras, the north London constituency held by Starmer since 2015. More worrying for the PM is the candidate who will contest the seat for Corbyn's party at the next election: Andrew Feinstein, the pro-Palestinian activist who ran as an independent in the constituency last year. He secured an astonishing 19 per cent of the vote, slashing Starmer's majority from 28,000 to just 11,000. Next time round, with the resources of Corbyn's party behind him, Feinstein is likely to fight an even more effective campaign. And his supporters are confident it will take him all the way to Westminster. PS Whispers from the Westminster cloisters: Keir Starmer has fallen out with his Commons Chief Whip, Sir Alan Campbell. I'm told Campbell was unhappy when Starmer and his sidekick Morgan McSweeney suspended York MP Rachael Maskell from the Labour Party for rebelling over benefits cuts. Prime Ministers seldom prosper when they argue with their Chief Whips – and Campbell is nobody's fool. He was hardly known for his charm and good manners when it came to his successor Margaret Thatcher, but it seems former PM Ted Heath was just as rude to his staff. Lord Patten remembers being summoned to Heath's Piccadilly apartment in the mid-1970s. Patten and his colleagues arrived at 9am but Heath did not appear until 10am – in a kimono. 'About 1pm, his housekeeper comes in with a silver tray with a bottle of Chablis, a plate of lobster salad, and some brie and camembert,' recalls Patten, who hadn't even been offered a coffee. 'As Heath tucked in, he asked: 'Have you had anything to eat, boys?' We said: 'No, Ted, we haven't.' He said, 'Aww, you must be very hungry then.' That was it.' Jets on a wing and a prayer Labour's commitment to hike defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP by 2035 will include the purchase from US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin of 12 F-35 stealth jets, which can carry nuclear warheads. So how much will they cost? Cue this answer from defence minister Maria Eagle: 'Prices will be identified during contract negotiations.' No wonder the defence procurement budget is in such a mess. Tory culture spokesman Nigel Huddleston can't be accused of not being on top of his, er, brief at the lower end of the arts. His brother-in-law was a member of all-male strip troupe the Chippendales, and even stripped off at the Tory MP's wedding in 1999. Sadly, he no longer provides that kind of entertainment. As Nigel says: 'They retire young in that line of work.' On his Rosebud podcast, former MP Gyles Brandreth says he was proud to watch his MP daughter Aphra in a Commons debate she initiated: 'Watching her speaking was moving, and she was brilliant. What was interesting was the subject... potholes!' Political leaders like to bask in the reflected glory of giving awards to rock stars, but Noddy Holder, lead singer of Slade, has gone one better than Sirs Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart and Paul McCartney. He's been offered a token Lordship... from the Monster Raving Loony Party.
