Support for local and regional newspapers during the covid-19 outbreak

Motion Text

That this House calls on the Government to extend the business rates holiday to local and regional newspapers in the UK; notes that business rates relief has been extended to the news media sector in Scotland by the Scottish Government; recognises that the media industry is under severe financial pressure due to the covid-19 outbreak; thanks local newspapers and media outlets for providing their communities with a vital service during the present crisis; further recognises that more than 2,000 staff in the national and regional press in the UK have temporarily lost their jobs as a result of the outbreak, according to the Press Gazette; further notes that circulation of paid for newspapers was down as much as 39 per cent in April 2020 compared to in March 2020; and further calls on the Government to recognise the importance of a diverse media industry for preserving our liberal democracy and take firm steps to save our media outlets.