The proposed acquisition of The Telegraph by a fund backed by Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Mansour, owner of Manchester City, has raised concerns about the protection of UK newspapers against ownership by repressive Gulf states. The head of the Abu Dhabi-backed bid has proposed an 'editorial charter' and a trust of media luminaries to safeguard press freedom. Despite these assurances, dozens of MPs, including Keir Starmer and Sarah Champion MP, oppose the takeover due to national security concerns. A significant group of 73 MPs is pressuring to halt the acquisition. The UK's communications regulator Ofcom is expected to issue recommendations soon, and Lucy Frazer MP, supported by Rishi Sunak, has the authority to either block or approve the deal. Allegations have also surfaced that the Abu Dhabi bidder previously reneged on a promise of press freedom at CNN.
Abu Dhabi-backed bidder to control sale of Telegraph if takeover is blocked 🔗 https://t.co/jOAWZzh0HG
NB @lucyfrazermp @RishiSunak Abu Dhabi Telegraph bidder broke promise of press freedom at CNN https://t.co/QV8yrS8Eka
73MPs pressure to stop #AbuDhabi-backed takeover of the Telegraph amid national security concerns. Ofcom's recommendations are expected in weeks, but Ms Frazer @lucyfrazermp has the power to block or approve the takeover. https://t.co/pcSTgex72W @Keir_Starmer @SarahChampionMP https://t.co/VaVOEvHDXL
MPs pile on pressure to stop Abu Dhabi-backed takeover of The Telegraph amid national security concerns https://t.co/kIwyXNS5ZF https://t.co/b8FYOAEH6e
📰 Dozens of MPs oppose Abu Dhabi takeover of The Telegraph https://t.co/D0rhGUDtBZ
📰 The Abu Dhabi-backed fund pursuing a takeover of The Telegraph is pinning its hopes on an “editorial charter” and a trust of media luminaries it says will protect journalism https://t.co/72phY8O4yn
Interesting piece on the proposed takeover of the Telegraph by Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Mansour (Man City). Swathes of the UK are sold to repressive Gulf states. Should newspapers be protected, or has that bird already flown? There's no such thing as a "passive investor." https://t.co/zG9RGs1TwT
Exclusive. Head of Abu Dhabi backed bid for Telegraph tells me his plans to ensure press freedom. https://t.co/WycveFmg8S