Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 03 Dec 2025 Local Media
"Tell me about it. It remains the go-to place for my constituents across Bromley and Biggin Hill for the news that counts, and that is local news. It is where we go to find out what is happening, what new shops are opening in the high street, what that planning …..." Peter Fortune - View Speech
"My hon. Friend makes an important point, which I will get to as I develop my speech. I also have to declare an interest: I spent the majority of my working life in local news. Even as a child, I delivered copies of the local Guardian around south London. My …..." Peter Fortune - View Speech
"I of course agree with my hon. Friend. The role that local media plays at the centre of the community is what I will develop during my speech, if I get to the second page. I mentioned the Farnham Herald, which he intervened on, and go on to the …..." Peter Fortune - View Speech
"I do agree. That has been happening in local media since the invention of Facebook, which I will come to later.
Across the UK, local journalism attracts 42 million readers each week. It is the first port of call, be it print or digital in format, for communities who value …..." Peter Fortune - View Speech
"I agree with my hon. Friend, and I will touch on the BBC charter later in my comments.
Let us start with the digital environment, which the hon. Member for Winchester (Dr Chambers) referred to. For an industry that relies on advertising revenue, the emergence of platforms such as Facebook …..." Peter Fortune - View Speech
"I entirely agree on that extraordinary story. I think Kevin Sinfield has run further than I have ever driven. The way he has used national, regional and local media to highlight the issue shows the strength and power of media, when harnessed and targeted properly, to have a positive impact.
"I do not have enough time to thank everybody individually, so please take it that all are thanked and loved, especially the people who gathered outside to beep in support of the Westminster Hall debate.
One of my heroes, George Orwell, believed that local journalism should reflect lived experiences, and …..." Peter Fortune - View Speech
"Well played! That was very good, and of course I agree. I used to work with Toby Granville, so I know him well. I think that sets the tone for a lot of the interventions that will come during this speech.
That this House has considered the future of local media.
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, I think for the first time, Dr Allin-Khan. I will start by giving hon. Members some reassurance: I intend to give way every time someone asks, because …..." Peter Fortune - View Speech