MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

The Maidenhead Advertiser is a highly respected It is really important that people are able to access local newspaper and so it is right that the local news to gain an understanding of what is going Government has offered support through a number on in their area. The country’s news media - broadcast, print and of schemes which have been welcomed by Baylis online - are fulfilling a vital role ensuring people Media Ltd. receive accurate and timely health advice from Newspapers are absolutely vital when it comes to reporting on some of the key messages that we all the NHS and Public Health during the However, an extension of the business rates holiday need to take on board so we can tackle this virus. pandemic, so everyone understands how to local publishers would help to ease the I hope some clarity and guidance can be issued to important it is to follow the advice to stay at considerable pressure they are currently facing and make sure it is understood that newspaper deliveries home in order to protect the NHS and save lives. enable local newspapers to continue to produce can – and should – still take place. trusted news and information at this time. … Home deliveries are an important part of this battle to As a vital part of the local community, we must make keep people self-isolating. sure The Maidenhead Advertiser can remain open for business.

Rt Hon CBE MP – Rt Hon CBE Rt Hon MP – Hertsmere and Secretary of State for MP – South and Maidenhead, Conservative Party Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Secretary of State for Education, Conservative Party Conservative Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

We need to do everything we can do in order to make sure we have a viable local newspaper when we come through the other side of this crisis. The only way we are going to get through this Local newspapers have never been more hard- safe and strong is if we pull together, and we Local newspapers are the lifeblood of our society They pressed economically. But never more valuable to the can’t do that unless we are listening and talking connect often vulnerable people with local care-givers community than today, during this crisis. to each other. Local news is absolutely essential and news of what is going on outside their front door. in making sure that happens. It is absolutely essential that advertisers, owners and I would call on every local authority, everyone involved the government put their shoulder to the wheel now If we want good morale and community in the distribution and sale of these newspapers, to to ensure these hugely valued local papers survive. cohesion during this struggle then we need local help make sure that we still have local newspapers news like never before. worth their names.

We don’t want to go down the same road that America has done, where they have seen literally hundreds of local newspapers disappear in short order.

Julian Knight MP – Solihull and Chair Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP – Rt Hon MP – of the House of Commons Digital, Birmingham, Hodge Hill and Sutton Coldfield, Culture, Media and Sport Shadow Minister (Digital, Conservative Party Committee, Conservative Party Culture, Media and Sport) (Digital Economy), Labour Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

The Romford Recorder is a lifeline for so many in our One of the businesses that the government have said community who don’t necessarily access the internet Local newspapers provide a key platform for should stay open is newsagents, and there’s a good need to be kept informed about what’s going on in information and advice, update residents on the reason for that. Romford and Havering. situation in their communities and for those self - People need to stay well informed both on national isolating at home, a link to the outside world. We need our local paper to continue as a source of matters but also on local matters that affect valuable news and information for everyone, and the surrounding area. including MPs!

Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP - South West Norfolk and Andrew Rosindell MP, Romford, Minister for Women and MP, Broadland, Conservative Party Equalities, and Secretary of Conservative Party State for International Trade, Conservative Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

At the moment, having that newspaper come through I have always thought the local press is important. the door to keep abreast of what’s happening is Delivery services may never have been so important I grew up in Newham and we had our paper something to enjoy and look forward to. if done safely. home delivered for as long as I can remember. It’s really comforting and gives you a routine of ‘here And local papers across the country, like our EDP The Recorder is an important source of local comes the paper’, I’ll sit and flip through that for a and Evening News, are working hard to help the information, particularly during this time. couple of hours. I’m fully supportive of that. community stay connected.

Chloe Smith MP – MP, , MP, West Ham and North and Minister of State Conservative Party Shadow Minister (Treasury), (Cabinet Office), Labour Party Conservative Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

It is shocking that so many newspapers are fighting for For newspapers, there is a move towards online but Local newspapers like the Recorder are the bedrock their survival because of the coronavirus. Many towns and there are an awful lot of people who do still rely on of democracy. boroughs are at real risk of losing their once thriving local their daily newspaper for updates and for highlighting paper. the community support out there as well, which is so Regional newspapers like the Evening Standard and important. national papers are never going to bring a level of scrutiny The extra cost and logistics of running a newspaper during of our local council and decision makers or offer the a crisis like this are proving too difficult for many smaller In some of the more far flung parts of Norfolk and connectedness that local news gives to our community by media companies, so the government must look closely at , the internet connections are not possibly as reporting on the good news, the bad news and everything how it helps support local newspapers carry on producing good as they should be and that does put a much else that goes on in Redbridge. news in the coming weeks and months. greater emphasis on newspapers. It’s really important as everyone is going through a hard time that everyone still supports their local paper. For many the local newspaper is their most trusted source The other thing is that those providing newspapers for community news. And crucially our local papers are can do so while complying with social distancing The local paper is not only a way for us all to stay in touch essential to holding local politicians to account. arrangements and they should do so, but also if with each other but we’d be lost without it. they’re going daily they can spot if there are issues We wouldn't have the faintest idea what’s happening Nobody wants to see their local paper disappear such as curtains left drawn or milk bottles uncollected, around us. overnight, that is why I’ll be encouraging the government and they can flag those up. to intervene and offer them any support they might need. It would be a tragedy if local papers like the Ilford Recorder That’s really important and I’m very supportive of that. were a casualty of Covid-19.

Dame MP – Barking, MP – Waveney, MP – Ilford North, Labour Party Conservative Party Labour Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

Local papers like the Ham and High / Brent and Local newspapers are a vital part of how we It’s a really tough time at the moment, for everyone Kilburn Times are the lifeblood of our communities. receive news and information in our community, here in Ilford - but I’ve been inspired by the solidarity and I would hate to see them fall victim to the and willingness to help one another through. Part of As we face long periods of social isolation to tackle current crisis like so many other small businesses that community spirit is hearing the good news stories coronavirus, local papers have the power to bring our – that’s why I am urging residents to continue happening across Ilford. Ilford Recorder has been communities together. It is through local papers that supporting the Barking and Post and brilliant in highlighting the work of volunteers, we will keep abreast of what is happening in our community groups, MPs and councillors to help those the Romford Recorder. nearby hospitals. And local journalists will be the in need. ones holding our councils to account for the support The government have introduced a number of they must now deliver to the individuals and employment support measures but many local Now, they need your support - so make sure you businesses who will suffer. papers are still folding – this week I will be support our local newspaper, by buying a copy, or contacting the Secretary of State for Digital, ordering one to be delivered to your home, so we can “We are lucky to have such a strong local press in Culture, Media and Sport to see what offer the get through these difficult times, connected by Hampstead and Kilburn, but we will only have it as powerful stories about what’s really happening in our government can make to support local long as we are prepared to fight for it. I will always community, and that those with power are rightly held newspapers. stand up for our local papers and do everything I can to account be a strong local newspaper. to support them through this crisis.

Tulip Siddiq MP - Hampstead and Kilburn and Shadow MP - Dagenham Sam Tarry MP – Ilford South, Labour Party Minister for Early Years, and Rainham, Labour Party Labour Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

Local newspapers such as the East Anglian Daily More than ever before all of us are conscious of Times and Star play a vital role in reporting At a time like this it is vital that people can find out how much we depend upon other people. More key messages, helping to communicate essential what is happening in their local area and news than ever before each of us realises the importance information and keeping local residents connected organisations have a vital role to play. with what’s going on. of keeping in touch and keeping informed. While the news is available online, many people do not Local newspapers are part of the glue that binds a As we try to tackle this national emergency, it’s have access to that. And many of those who do not community together — that allows people to share essential that people follow the Government’s advice have access are those who are older and rely on the both in their neighbours successes and their to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives. newspapers themselves for the news. Home deliveries are an effective way of helping sadness. Above all local newspapers keep people informed about what is important in their own local people to stay at home and stop the spread of the It is very important that there are people who are able area. At a time when isolation and rumour are virus, whilst at the same time supporting our local to deliver these papers to households to ensure those causing real fear and uncertainty, the safe delivery shops. who are self-isolating do not feel any more cut off than of accurate local news is an essential part of how we they are. As long as sensible precautions are being taken, such can get through this crisis together. as deliverers wearing gloves and maintaining social- distancing advice, I hope that newspaper deliveries will still take place here in Suffolk.

Barry Gardiner MP – Brent Dr MP - Central North and Shadow Minister Suffolk and North Ipswich, (Department for Business, MP – Ipswich, Conservative Party Conservative Party Energy and Industrial Strategy), Labour Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

It is very important that people are able to get the news about what is happening in their communities - The local paper - in our area the EDP and the parish Local news organisations are very important for and for many of those who are having to stay at home magazine - is both a vital source of information for communities, especially for those people who at the moment their daily delivery is very important. local communities and a community of support in are self-isolating. Many don't have other ways of getting the news. itself. And it is very important that those who are not It's also good exercise for those delivering the Medics say the risk from newspaper delivery is online are able to get their news delivered so newspapers and at the time they are being delivered infinitesimal. Let’s keep washing our hands and keep they do not risk going out themselves - or face there aren't many other people about at the moment. the local paper delivery. the prospect of feeling even more isolated than they are. And from what I understand, newspapers are not likely to be able to carry the virus so people should not worry about that.

Will Quince MP – MP – Bury St Edmunds and Parliamentary Under- George Freeman MP – Mid and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Secretary (Department for Norfolk, Conservative Party (Department of Health and Social Care), Work and Pensions), Conservative Party Conservative Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

It is important that local newspapers are able to be Local journalism plays an important role in safely delivered into the community. Whilst there is a During this public health crisis, a great way to communities across and never more so significant amount of information and news available ensure you are up to date with the latest health than now. The World Health Organisation has online, it is important to remember not everyone guidance and local news in your area is to get a confirmed newspapers can’t pass on coronavirus, and it uses the internet or social media. local paper delivered to your door. is completely safe to keep reading them. Continuing self-isolation is critical to help protect the Not only is it perfectly safe to do so, it is We must continue to buy our local newspapers to NHS and save lives, but, for some, the weekly local encouraged by the Government and WHO so support journalists working hard to share information newspaper is a vital part of helping keep people that you keep in touch with your community and about the virus and report stories which make a connected with the outside world. Please continue to stay informed. difference in East Devon. stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.

Selaine Saxby MP – North Devon, MP – Tiverton and Simon Jupp MP – East Devon, Conservative Party Honiton, Conservative Party Conservative Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

For anyone who isn’t digital, or who just Our local news outlets are hugely important – Local newspapers play an invaluable role in our local likes reading words on paper rather than especially at a time like this in a rural community like communities. The Comet and I have broken major local on-screen, a physical newspaper like the Somerset. Things are changing so rapidly, and I and national stories together over the years, ran Mercury’s print edition is the best way to applaud the local media for ensuring the community campaigns and been at the heart of our town. More keep in touch with what’s happening in are still getting the important information in these people than ever get their local news from their local and around Weston during the lockdown. exceptionally difficult circumstances. paper and it is a huge source of support for those who are lonely or isolated. I’ve spoken to the Editor to make sure We are all doing our part to protect the vulnerable their deliverers are keeping themselves through this crisis, and often those who are not It is how local community groups and charities tell their and everybody else safe, by wearing connected online rely heavily on print media. This good news stories and bring a smile to us all. I know gloves, for example. And, so long as they makes it more vital than ever that everyone can many of us will miss the Comet and we have to make do, they’re providing a vital lifeline for access the important updates – not just those with sure it can be delivered to as many homes as possible. people who can’t get out and about. access to a smart phone or computer.

James Heappey MP – Wells MP – Weston- and Parliamentary Under- Stephen McPartland MP – Stevenage, super-Mare, Conservative Party Secretary (Ministry of Conservative Party Defence), Conservative Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

In the current circumstances, the Hunts Post has I am sure that my constituents will find reading an extremely important role in the reporting of their much-loved local papers a comfort and Local media plays a critical role in keeping people accurate and up-to-date news and guidance. welcome relief during the Covid 19 crisis. They informed about events and developments in their Particularly as through its delivery network it will be able to read heart-warming stories about communities. can reach many people who may not have the generosity of volunteers and the great local access to online sources of information. response. I know the Royston Crow is a highly respected and valued local paper - and I know how influential it is. It is With more people potentially feeling isolated The papers map the life events of local people really important that we all support our local from their usual community networks as a result and give the real news. I welcome the effort newspapers. of the need to stay at home, the Hunts Post is being made to keep up the home deliveries delivering a vital service to our communities (wearing gloves) and know that many people will through the provision of local news and also check the e-editions. We must keep local appropriate guidance and advice. news.

Rt Hon Sir QC Anthony Browne MP – MP, MP - North East South Cambridgeshire, Huntingdon, Conservative Party , Conservative Conservative Party Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

It’s vital that residents can continue to I’m supportive of local news and the job In the present crisis, the role of newspapers, As a local MP, the job of local receive trusted local news whilst self- that they’re doing in trying to make sure radio and television is absolutely vital in newspapers is to scrutinise us and isolating and I whole heartedly support this people are kept informed, engaging ensuring that people know what is hold us to account. That can be campaign to ensure that local newspapers people with their local communities, and happening and that they receive regular uncomfortable sometimes! can continue to be delivered, as per global aware of best practice. updates on what the government is asking health advice. Local newspapers are a great us all to do to keep everyone. However, there is no doubt that we source of facts and information in all The dissemination of reliable information need local newspapers not just climates, but especially now as fake news at a time when we’re all so isolated has The safest way to receive your newspaper is through this crisis but afterwards as and misinformation can wreak havoc. become more important than ever. to have it delivered - and many local shops well. I will be working with HM are doing an excellent job in keeping our Treasury to see if more support can In St Albans and across the country, there I think it reminds people of the importance communities going, including maintaining be given. are wonderful stories emerging about the of local news - there are many outlets who newspaper deliveries. strength of community spirit and local have gone under and it should remind us newspapers can ensure that we all share in people can use radio, TV and the internet if those uplifting and heart-warming stories they’re able but local news papers are from the safety of our own homes. crucial.

Daisy Cooper MP – St Clive Lewis MP - MP - Albans and Spokesperson Richard Bacon MP - Norwich South and Hitchin and (Digital, Culture, Media South Norfolk, Shadow Harpenden, and Sport), Liberal Conservative Party Minister (Treasury), Conservative Party Democrat Party Labour Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

My simple view is that we have to apply As someone who much prefers a hard copy Local newspapers are the backbone of some common sense here. We need to do newspaper to reading them online, I would our paper services in our country and what we can to keep everything running - At this time when many people who do not hate to see anything that prevented the during the outbreak of COVID-19, local our newspapers, our democracy, our use online services run the danger of Grimsby Telegraph from making its way newspapers like the Hull are a industry - as best we can without taking feeling especially cut off and lonely, having both to newsagents and those who want it vital service for many who live in any risks. That is entirely possible on a access to the full range of local media - delivered through their letter box. constituencies like mine. newspaper round. When I did a newspaper from local newspapers to local radio – is all round it was that early in the morning that I the more important. Clearly I wouldn’t want to put people who For those having to self-isolate local never met anybody. deliver papers at risk but it doesn’t seem newspapers are often the only news I hope that a common sense means of likely they would infringe on any of the information they will receive, which is Even if I did it wouldn’t be very difficult to maintaining local newspaper deliveries is social distancing rules and as long as the why it is vital to see those papers still maintain social distancing. Two metres is found that meets the current public health message is reinforced that they must abide going to print so nobody is left without perfectly possible. It seems to me it would needs of fighting Covid-19. by government guidance, I would have the critical news that they need during be unwise to rush to this and in so doing thought there wouldn’t have been any this time. potentially damage permanently an major risk. institution which lots of people rely on, mainly local newspapers.

Dame Diana Karl Turner MP – Rt Hon David Davis Martin Vickers Johnson MP- Kingston-upon-Hull MP- Haltemprice and Kingston-upon- MP – East and Shadow Howden, Conservative Hull North, Cleethorpes, Minister (Transport), Party Labour Party Conservative Labour Party Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

The current crisis with many shops closed and the public being asked to stay home poses a These measures are all about keeping the economy afloat and getting businesses the support they need. huge threat to newspapers around the country. Local newspapers are providing a valuable public service in keeping people informed We need the media to be disseminating this vital The Express & Star is a vital part of life in the during this crisis. Black Country. From the smallest local story to information. They are essential and we are not going to get the message out without newspapers. the biggest international news it is part of how The Government has come up with a pretty we see ourselves and the world around us. spectacular package to keep things moving, I think extending the business rates holiday to and it would be nice to see publishers included publishers is certainly something that I would like to The Government has stepped up to help a in this policy. number of sectors through this unprecedented see the Government consider. crisis through rate relief and I hope this can be done for local newspapers too.

Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP - Jane Stevenson MP - Stuart Anderson MP – Wolverhampton South East, Wolverhampton North East, Wolverhampton South West Labour Party Conservative Party MPs Back News Media During Coronavirus Outbreak

Our local newspapers are providing vital services At this critical moment of national crisis, local in disseminating a lot of very important newspapers and other media groups are information, both digitally and in the traditional providing essential information to the public. It's sense. vital they continue trading given that they do such a valuable role. Any industry which is doing a vital role during this crisis deserves support. The Government If they are suffering as a result of a significant should think very carefully about extending the reduction in income, like the retail and level of support to the newspaper industry. hospitality sectors, I think there is an argument for them getting some extra support.

Daniel Kawczynski MP - Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP – Shrewsbury and Atcham, Ludlow, Conservative Party Conservative Party