The next item of business is consideration of motion S4M-13584, in the name of Bruce Crawford, on the memorandum of understanding on the BBC. I call on Bruce Crawford to speak to and move the motion on behalf of the Devolution (Further Powers) Committee.
16:29
The motion invites Parliament to agree a memorandum of understanding with the BBC and both Governments. The MOU sets out what this Parliament can expect in the future by way of our relationship with the BBC, such as agreement to provide copies of annual reports and agreement to appear before committees when invited. That will be important, as we will now begin engagement on the renewal of the BBC’s royal charter.
I am pleased to say that both Governments reached an accommodation on the proposed form of words for the MOU. The Devolution (Further Powers) Committee is therefore able to recommend the MOU to Parliament today, having consulted the Education and Culture Committee and the Public Audit Committee.
I reiterate that the motion relates only to the MOU, and not to any wider statement by any committee or this Parliament on broadcasting policy per se; the independence of the BBC; or any question of where devolved competence should lie.
On behalf of the Devolution (Further Powers) Committee, I move,
That the Parliament notes the Devolution (Further Powers) Committee’s 6th Report, 2015 (Session 4), Report on the Memorandum of Understanding on the BBC (SP Paper 764), and approves the memorandum of understanding relating to the relationship between the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Scottish Government, the UK Government and the Scottish Parliament.
The question on the motion will be put at decision time.
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Decision Time