Harriet Harman MP, Labour’s Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, responding to the announcement that Lord Patten is standing down as Chair of the BBC Trust, said:

“Lord Patten became Trust Chair at a difficult time in its history and helped the BBC to turn a corner under new leadership with Tony Hall. He proved himself a firm friend of the BBC and its values and set the Corporation on a strong track towards licence renewal.

“We wish him well in his recuperation.

“The BBC is a hugely important British institution and we look forward to a strong successor with the authority and leadership to see the BBC through to Charter renewal.”