The proposed Emirati takeover of The Telegraph and The Spectator is facing significant opposition in the UK, with the first parliamentary vote scheduled next week to potentially block the bid. Concerns have been raised about the implications for national security and press freedom. Suella Braverman, in a column, argued, "The UAE takeover must not go ahead," emphasizing the risk to national security. Additionally, a letter to the Prime Minister has been circulated, advocating for an amendment that would require Parliament's approval for the acquisition of UK news organizations by foreign powers. Prime Minister Sunak has been urged to back this veto. Meanwhile, Jeff Zucker, involved in a competing bid, has criticized the opposition in comments to @TheNewsAgents, suggesting that some criticisms may be motivated by personal grievances.
Seems like a bad idea to have a newspaper run by someone (who happens to be paid by a Gulf State) who thinks someone’s politics should disbar them from owning a newspaper. https://t.co/G8E3qErYu2
🗞️ Jeff Zucker claims Mr Neil is a ‘hypocrite’ over takeover criticism Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/0W5Ef7P2c2 https://t.co/3Ej0tt8DwS
"Your podcast exposed, finally, that Paul Marshall is unfit to own a newspaper." Jeff Zucker asks opponents of his bid to buy The Telegraph: "Who 𝐢𝐬 the right owner?" Coming to @GlobalPlayer @jonsopel https://t.co/vKZQr3hfC7
Jeff Zucker tells @TheNewsAgents Andrew Neil only opposed UAE takeover after being refused a job. ✍️ @Telegraph @jonsopel | @maitlis | @lewis_goodall https://t.co/DbQR0SfKHM
Jeff Zucker also told The News Agents that opposition to the RedbirdIMI deal comes from a "fundamental misunderstanding of really what this deal is" and that they "have a very good business plan in place to help both The Telegraph and The Spectator" https://t.co/KjpWjNBQuA
“Half the country thinks I’m responsible for Donald Trump, half thinks we were too tough on him!" Did former CNN president Jeff Zucker help to create the presidential candidate into the figure he is today? @GlobalPlayer @jonsopel https://t.co/LBmf1i3V0a
🔴 Sunak urged to back veto by Parliament over UAE-backed takeover of The Telegraph https://t.co/bjjybNp2JU
The UAE takeover of @Telegraph and @spectator must not go ahead. This is not just about press freedom; our national security is at risk too. My column sets out why 👇 https://t.co/s9JvSaynb2
My letter to the Prime Minister about next week’s vote in the @UKHouseofLords on my amendment to prohibit the acquisition by a foreign power of UK news organisations without Parliament’s approval. https://t.co/xqEcXknCCK
✍️ 'The UAE Telegraph bid is a threat to our national security' | Writes @SuellaBraverman https://t.co/JrTn0jIZRq
It’s looking more likely that the Emirati bid for the Spectator and Telegraph will be blocked by parliament. First vote next week:- https://t.co/sPIbHTYUxS