Labour leader Ed Miliband has mounted a passionate defence of the TV licensing fee, levied to all viewers of broadcast television, saying that it is ‘incredibly important’ to protect the BBC.

Speaking to the Radio Times Miliband vowed to renew the telly tax when the BBC license fee comes up for renewal in 2016, should he be prime minister at that point.

Asked about the license fee Miliband said: “I am a supporter of the BBC and I think it should be renewed. I’m not going to get into the level, which will be a matter for negotiation and discussion. I think it’s incredibly important that we protect the BBC. It’s recognised around the world and is a benchmark for standards in Britain.”

Miliband also revealed that he is a fan of US drama Homeland but is less keen on seeing himself on the TV, admitting that he ‘tends’ not to watch the news.