Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Will Forster and Ian Murray

Thursday 3rd September 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Ian Murray)]

I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this incredibly serious question to DCMS questions this morning. There is no place for homophobia or prejudice in our society, and the media has a duty to uphold the highest standards, not polarise or divide. I understand that Ofcom is investigating whether the programme has breached broadcasting code standards, and I expect it to do so without fear or favour. Through our media Green Paper, we are considering how to ensure Ofcom has the right powers to protect audiences and regulate TV services in the future. We have a proud free media and free press in this country, but that does not come without responsibilities, and GB News should be thoroughly ashamed of itself.

[Mr Will Forster (Woking) (LD)]

T6. As we saw during the world cup, football is fundamental to our national identity. Football fans are having to pay almost £700 to follow their club in this season’s premier league, so does the Secretary of State agree that we need to have more free-to-air sport, not less?