Tom Watson, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, commenting on the 21st Century Fox formal notification of its bid for full control of Sky, said:

“The Government should have referred this bid to Ofcom immediately and without equivocation.

“It is clear that Fox’s bid to take full control of Sky will significantly increase the size of the biggest media organisation in the UK and further concentrate power in the hands of a dominant industry player.

“It is therefore clearly in the public interest that the bid is referred to the regulator on media plurality and broadcasting grounds.

“In light of the Government’s decision not to immediately refer the bid and the effect the proposed merger is likely to have on the UK media sector, the Culture Secretary must now ensure MPs are given an opportunity to debate the deal before a decision is taken on whether to approve it.”

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