Speeches by Rutland.

“I should begin by declaring some interests as the chair of the BBC APPG, a recipient of BBC hospitality, and a former employee of the Prospect and Bectu unions, which represent BBC staff. In December 2021, the BBC and Screen Scotland said that there was an urgent need to address skills shortages in the screen industry.…”

“Yesterday, at the CMS Committee, we heard a lot about how there had been a big boom in content commissioning a few years ago that has now dried up a little from the major streamers, which has resulted in some independent production companies having to close, or there not being enough work commissioned. How does that si…”

“The Across the UK strategy included a commitment to partner with local education providers, which I think you have just touched on, to grow the skills base needed to operate the BBC’s production studios in places such as Glasgow. Can you elaborate a bit further on the progress that has been made on that?”

“That takes me on to streaming. Louise, perhaps this is for you. How has the BBC’s relationship with streaming companies such as Amazon and Netflix changed in recent years, both in general and in Scotland specifically?”

“It is interesting because Jane said later in her comments that tackling the long day is difficult because ultimately, because you are chasing the light, you are adding more days to the filming time, which obviously, as you were saying, increases the budget. It was interesting to hear about how the clustering could pote…”

“That last question or your last comment leads nicely on to what I will be asking about, which is working practices and retention. I should probably declare an interest here as a former employee of the Prospect and Bectu unions. Bectu has warned that unsustainable working hours, the feast and famine nature of employment…”

“It was around the availability of permanent contracts. Whether you guys were an outlier.”

“I suppose that permanent contract point is important for someone who is young and looking to start in the industry but does not have financial backing. Would you say that your company and Jane’s perhaps are outliers in the size and the number of people you are able to offer permanent contracts or not?”

“My colleague has already spoken a little bit about diversity. The Secretary of State has criticised the TV sector workforce’s lack of diversity. What do you think might make a meaningful difference, particularly to how the sector might be able to address the precarity of employment and the ability for people from, say,…”

“Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and a very merry Christmas to you. Like many MPs, this year I held my first Christmas card competition, and I was blown away by the talent of local primary school children. Will the Leader of the House indulge me, and join me in congratulating the winners, Franco, Akithra and Lauren, an…”

“We have heard, not just today but over the years, accusations of political bias. I have friends on the left who accuse the BBC of being biased against them, and family members on the right, with whom I am sure I will have conversations over Christmas, make the same comments. Does the hon. Lady agree that if both sides—…”

“I agree that it is a shame that some regional political and news programming is being filmed further away than before. Of course, I am not able to answer directly for those decisions by the BBC, but the 30% funding decrease that I mentioned may explain the reasoning behind them. It is a shame that we find ourselves in …”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell. I refer colleagues to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests; I am the chair of the BBC all-party parliamentary group, a recipient of hospitality and a former employee of Prospect and Bectu unions, which represent workers at the BBC. I tha…”

“Many former Ministers and current shadow Ministers have made clear that they do not support a compensation scheme, so is this not just another example of this Labour Government having to take the difficult but necessary decisions that those Members ran away from?”

“T5. I welcome the review into the overpayment of carer’s allowance, which will come as a huge relief to many people in East Worthing and Shoreham. Can the Minister confirm that the Department will do everything it can to prevent family carers unnecessarily getting into debt?”

“I thank Members on both sides of the House for the many compelling and moving speeches that we have heard so far today. When I made my maiden speech in this Chamber during the general debate on remembrance, I spoke of the bravery and personal sacrifice of all those who have served and continue to serve our country in o…”

“I agree with the hon. Member. Referring to previous cases and the range of amounts awarded, the review states: “An amount which falls below that range…risks prolonging a sense of injustice rather than achieving closure”. I am glad that the Government are not taking that risk. I am also glad that Government recognise th…”

“From having disclosure. Can you talk a little about your no politics rule, as well as your view on the former question, if that is all right?”

“Good morning. I will ask a little bit about audiences. I should disclose an interest that I am a former official for Prospect and Bectu trade unions, which represent workers in the creative arts. Could you be brief with your answers, if possible? Do audiences have a problem with the use of generative AI in programme ma…”

“Martin, do you have a view? You talked about having a no politics rule. Would certain types of content such as current affairs or political broadcasts benefit?”