Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield and widely expected successor to Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, is facing mounting pressure to secure the future of free-to-air terrestrial television. More than 150,000 voters have signed a petition demanding that current broadcast licences, which expire in the early 2030s, be extended into the 2040s.
Petition backed by campaign groups
The petition, launched by pensioners' group Silver Voices, has gained support from the Digital Poverty Alliance and the Broadcast 2040+ Coalition. Silver Voices director Dennis Reed warned that access to Freeview TV “is exactly the kind of issue that determines whose side people think a party is on.” He argues that “protecting Freeview into the 2040s should be part of Labour’s promise to listen again to older people and working-class communities.”
Burnham urged to act
In a direct appeal to Burnham, Reed wrote: “If you are successful in Makerfield, I hope you will use your platform, and any future role you attain in government, to protect the free-to-air television services millions still rely on.” Labour MP Luke Akehurst has also backed the calls, stating: “This is a clear message to ministers: the public do not want a rushed switch-off of free-to-air terrestrial television. Streaming has a growing role to play, but choice matters, and we shouldn’t be forcing every household onto a broadband contract before they can access basic public service broadcasting. The Government now has the opportunity to show it is listening by protecting terrestrial TV into the 2040s, particularly when there are credible plans on the table.”
Government response
A government spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring that no-one is left behind as TV viewing increasingly moves to online platforms. That is why the government is currently working across the TV sector on a long-term sustainable approach to TV distribution in the UK. This will include a decision, as soon as possible, on whether to extend the current commitment to digital terrestrial television beyond 2034.”
