As you may be aware, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP, made a statement to the House on 16 March regarding the merger.  The Minister confirmed that having carefully considered the representations from the parties, a European intervention notice on the grounds of media plurality and commitment to broadcasting standards has been issued.

It is important, given the issues raised, to seek comprehensive advice from Ofcom on those public interest considerations, and from the CMA on jurisdiction issues.  I note that that the parties concerned have welcomed a through regulatory review, and that is what will happen as a result of the notice.