Member

I also wish to use this opportunity briefly to make a formal representation to the Government. Under the Enterprise Act 2002, as amended by the DMCC Act 2024, the Secretary of State has a legal duty—not a discretion—to issue a foreign state intervention notice if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a foreign power may gain influence over a UK newspaper. Given the extensive ties between RedBird Capital Partners and the Chinese state, including Mr Thornton’s affiliations with PRC institutions and even co-investments with Chinese military-linked firms, there is clear evidence that meets the statutory threshold. Under Schedule 6B, even indirect influence or the ability to shape policy may suffice. Parliament’s intention in passing the DMCC Act was precisely to prevent this. Therefore, the Secretary of State is bound by law to investigate and cannot lawfully ignore the risk of PRC-linked influence over the Telegraph Media Group. This position is supported by a legal opinion from Tom Cross KC, which I know the Minister has seen. I ask her to confirm whether that opinion will be formally considered and if the Secretary of State will now act.