Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment he has made of the contribution of independent and local newspapers as regulated by the Press Regulation Panel to the functioning of democracy.

The government recognises the importance of reliable, trustworthy news, which is vital to helping ensure a healthy democracy both nationally and at a local level.

Local and independent newspapers play an invaluable role in the fabric of our society. They remain uniquely placed to undertake the investigative journalism and scrutiny of public institutions, including local councils and our courts.