Vikki Slade raised concerns in Parliament about Ofcom’s oversight of broadcasting standards and Royal Mail deliveries, citing issues reported by residents in Mid Dorset and North Poole. Mid Dorset and North Poole’s MP has called for a formal review of broadcasting regulator Ofcom. Vikki Slade led a Westminster Hall debate on the regulator’s role and effectiveness, where she questioned its work on broadcasting standards and Royal Mail services that affect residents across her constituency. She highlighted previous Ofcom findings involving GB News and asked whether current enforcement action
Mid Dorset and North Poole’s MP has called for a formal review of broadcasting regulator Ofcom.
Vikki Slade led a Westminster Hall debate on the regulator’s role and effectiveness, where she questioned its work on broadcasting standards and Royal Mail services that affect residents across her constituency.
She highlighted previous Ofcom findings involving GB News and asked whether current enforcement action is acting as a “meaningful deterrent”, while also questioning whether MPs and political party leaders should present news and current affairs programmes.
The MP refers to Nigel Farage hosting a current affairs programme on GB News, which is allowed under the broadcasting act. The debate surrounds whether or not his show is a 'news' programme, which is not allowed.
The debate also covered Royal Mail, with Ms Slade telling Parliament that residents report long gaps between deliveries before “bundles turn up in elastic bands” after missing post is challenged.
She said Parliament should ask whether Ofcom has the tools to challenge broadcasters, tackle scams, improve connectivity and hold Royal Mail to account, as it takes on new responsibilities including online safety.
Ms Slade said customers need clearer information when services fail, and she urged ministers to examine whether the rules for Ofcom’s powers, duties and enforcement remain fit for purpose overall.
See more at hansard.parliament.uk.
