Government attempts to destroy the BBC ‘will lead to street protests’ Attempts to destroy the BBC’s creativity and independence will lead to street protests, peers say. Culture Secretary John Whittingdale wants […]

Attempts to destroy the BBC’s creativity and independence will lead to street protests, peers say.

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale wants to rein in the BBC in a raft of measures on charter renewal to be published on Thursday.

But a cross-party alliance of MPs and peers has joined BBC stars to protest against measures, with Lord Lester, the Lib Dem peer, warning that people may take to the streets if the Government was “stupid” in its handling of the BBC’s future.

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“We will march,” he says.

Lord Fowler, the Conservative peer and former Cabinet minister, said: “The BBC’s reputation rests on it being clear that it is free of government interference. And, frankly, we would be mad to put that reputation at risk.”

‘Government don’t realise public feeling for the BBC’

He was backed by One Foot In The Grave star Richard Wilson, who said: “I would march in the streets. I would. As long as they don’t march too far. I don’t think they realise how strong the public feeling is for the BBC.”

His comments came just hours after Wolf Hall actor Mark Rylance led a passionate defence of the BBC at the Bafta TV Awards, where big names from the small screen spoke up as the controversy over the Government’s intentions for the corporation deepens.

Asked about the criticism from leading figures in the industry, a Downing Street spokesman said: “The BBC is a world class institution and we want it to continue to thrive. The charter review is an opportunity for public debate on all aspects of the BBC and we welcome everyone’s views.”

What the stars say:

“I would march in the streets. I would. As long as they don’t march too far. I would certainly march. I’d be happy to march. ” “I hope that, as the independent BBC campaign develops, the Government will be forced into one of their many, many U-turns. They’re very good at them these days.” “I don’t think they realise how strong the public feeling is for the BBC.” Richard Wilson

“In many ways our broadcasting – the BBC and Channel 4 (which they’re also attempting to eviscerate) – is the envy of the world and we should stand up and fight for it, not let it go by default. And if we don’t, blink and it will be gone. There will be no more Wolf Halls. No more award-winning Dispatches, documentaries on Channel 4, just a broadcasting landscape where the only determinate of whether something gets made is whether it’s likely to line the pockets of its shareholders. No. No. It’s time for us to stand up and say no to this dangerous nonsense.” Peter Kosminsky, Wolf Hall

“Woe to any government or corporation who tries to get between the British people and their love of a good joke, a true story, a good song, a fact, a fiction good sports commentating, newscasters who can hold themselves together and tell stories about tragedies in Paris, people who can cook well and bake cakes. The incredible variety of popular culture in this country – it’s really blown my mind tonight and I think woe to any government or any corporation who tries to come between that.” Mark Rylance

“Our four nominations are from ITV, Channel 4 and BBC but with new and exciting drama on Sky and improvised drama on Channel 5 primetime, it’s clear that excellence and diversity is alive and well across all our channels, commercial and public service. But – and echoing Peter Kosminsky here a wee bit – I think it’s true that all these films, their writers, their directors, their cast and crew and – let’s face it – everyone here in this hall, are able to do what they do as well as they do because of the BBC. Do not strip it away. I mean, did he watch the Hollow Crown last night? Please protect it, let’s cherish it.” James Nesbitt

“Reiterating the theme of the evening, I would like to thank the BBC who have allowed Have I Got News for You for a very long time to be very rude about governments of all persuasions and their oppositions and indeed to be very rude about the BBC themselves which is a privilege you’re given with public service broadcasting and not on state television.” Ian Hislop

“I believe British TV is the best in the world and if it feels like I’m banging on about diversity all the time, it’s because I believe in increasing it so that we truly reflect our fantastic nation, ensuring that all those 14 year-olds out there superglued to their phones who hope to work in TV irrespective of their race, gender, sexuality, class, disability can realise that ambition as I was able to realise mine. If we do this we will make this fantastic industry even greater and I know that everybody in this room tonight shares that ambition. So please, let’s keep working together to make this a reality. Let’s create a coalition of the willing and please, let’s put it in the charter.” Lenny Henry