I think non-Welsh members of the Public Bodies Bill Committee were beginning to look slightly bemused this afternoon. We Welsh MPs on the Committee took over as we considered the future funding and governance of S4C. Began with one of the Government side (Mark Williams) decided to vote with the opposition, and ended when a protester in the public seats began shouting when the vote was announced, and was carted off by officials to spend some time in the nearest thing we have to a cell. I hope she wasn't kept there long, because all she was guilty of was livening things up a bit.
Its a complex issue, and I'd spent a fair bit of time thinking it through and rationalising my position. Still have lots of concerns but in my opinion it would have been very damaging in the longer run to S4C if it had been removed from the Public Bodies Bill. How can it be sustainable that when the Police, the Armed Forces, education, social security etc. are all taking big funding hits that S4C should be exempt (and guarenteed an annual inflation increase). And I just do not accept that its sustainable that any public body receiving taxpayers money should not be accountable to MP (or AMs if broadcasting were to be devolved). Discussion on this issue is not over yet, and there will be ongoing discussion over the funding of S4C - which I happen to think is as it should be. There remain concerns though. The 'governance' deal between S4C and BBC and the Dep't of Culture, Media, and Sport has not been signed off yet. This is key to the 'independence' of S4C.
Have to admit that when I was asked to serve on the Public Bodies Bill Committee, I thought twice about it. Knew I'd be criticised because of my view that public bodies that spend public money should be accountable. I've always thought that, even when I was a 'Quango king' myself - a view reinforced when I watched the embarrassing chaotic goings-on at S4C over the last year or so. Decided I would because (rather arrogantly perhaps) I thought I could present the case as well as any other Coalition MP. Sure enough I'm getting some stick. Blog comments are calling me a 'bradwr' (Welsh for traitor) though only by anonymous persons - and told by some that they will never vote for me again (again anonymous). Painful and inevitable. This debate is going to run. If nothing else it forces Wales into the conscienceless of the UK Parliament.
4 comments:
Wow, what a great a speech - it's almost as if it was written by the DCMS themselves for your support.
Could we soon have a Minister Glyn Davies when Cheryl resigns over cross rail?
In all seriousness though Glyn- what are your views on broadcasting being devolved? should it happen, because I for one am VERY worried for the media in Wales (both English/Welsh). As at the moment, AM's can get away with a lot of things as the media is fairly weak.... and it seems it is getting weaker and weaker.
For the record I am VERY dismayed at your actions on this issue.
What makes you think corporate direction will improve from a team of BBC trust appointees rather then by independent governance? Your comment about 'accountability' is rather strange as there is no direct accountability to MPs in the BBC charter, in fact there is a principle of 'no interference'. There is only a setting the licence fee precept, and the proposed legislation to 'top up' with reduced funding from government. Recent daggers at dawn in the boardroom might be embarrassing for S4C but it's better than issues being 'swept under the carpet' as currently happens in the BBC monolith. Logically, and you don't have to be Welsh to reach this conclusion, any strategic governance of S4C via a public spending stakeholders should be from the Welsh Government. As you say non-Welsh members of the Public Bodies Bill Committee were bemused. You're supplanting that confusion onto S4C through a BBC filter. Explain the logic.
The fact that English MPs voted this through (alongside yourself and Stephen Crabb of course) while the rest of the Welsh MPs voted against it shows that far from forcing 'Wales into the conscienceless of the UK Parliament' it actually shows that to the UK parliament Wales, and Welsh votes, are meaningless?
"Still have lots of concerns but in my opinion it would have been very damaging in the longer run to S4C if it had been removed from the Public Bodies Bill. How can it be sustainable that when the Police, the Armed Forces, education, social security etc. are all taking big funding hits that S4C should be exempt (and guarenteed an annual inflation increase). "
The Public Bodies Bill is completely the wrong Bill to include S4C, whatever your thoughts on funding. Why was Channel 4 removed but not S4C?
The problem is Glyn, your Government has rushed to decisions without ANY consultation with the people of Wales, not even your own party in Wales who oppose these plans. What we are calling for is a full independent assessment of S4C, and proper discussions and debate with stakeholders in Wales before any decisions are made, is that too much to ask for? Of course not, but since when have Conservatives in London listened to the people of Wales eh?
13,000 signed a petition in a few months opposing these plans, all 4 leaders of the parties at the Assembly sent a letter opposing these plans, the Archbishop of Wales oppose the plans (but disgracefully your Government has refused to meet him) thousands have attended rallies and meetings. When will the Tories in London start to listen to the people of Wales, and why have you sided with the Tories in London? This is Tryweryn II on a smaller scale. It is unacceptable, and will not be allowed to happen without a fight!
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