LC The BBC has told Culture Secretary John Whittingdale it is a basic human right, like water and food

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The state broadcaster also mounted a defence of its right to make primetime entertainment shows, arguing that it provides "great British content" and a "trusted guide for everyone". In response to a Government Green Paper on the future of the BBC, the broadcaster said that "access to culture, media and information should be a basic human right, ensured regardless of a person’s ability to pay”. But critics immediately slammed the corporation for being 'deluded' and pointed out that the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights makes no mention - in any of its 30 articles - about Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. Twitter user Linda Suhler was one of countless critics. She described the extraordinary claim as: "Leftist Delusion Syndrome." Others were equally damning. Ian Edmonds ‏said: "I'm sorry, what? A basic human right? Basic? Like food, water or shelter!?" Chris Hudson added sharply: "In which case I'm going to start a class action against the BBC for trying to charge us for our basic human right."

Jonathan Isaby, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "We may be stretching the definition of basic human rights a little here. "While it would be nice to provide this service to everyone, we must remember that ordinary taxpayers end up subsidising the BBC for the better-off in the current licence fee structure. "People should be left with more of their own money in their pockets so that they can choose their own entertainment." The BBC also warned that some of its most popular shows risk being axed if the Government forces it to be more distinct from commercial rivals in its submission to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The broadcaster argued the case for popular shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Great British Bakeoff amid suggestions it is too focused on ratings. Culture secretary John Whittingdale recently questioned the BBC's light entertainment programmes, saying it was "debatable" whether there was a public service argument for the broadcaster airing such shows. The document asked whether the corporation should be "chasing ratings" or delivering "distinctive, quality" programmes that are unavailable on other channels.

Access to culture, media and information should be a basic human right BBC

However, the BBC rejected this view in its submission on Thursday. The broadcaster said in its report: "It does not make practical sense to say the BBC should only make a programme if another broadcaster never would. “That would mean when ITV made Broadchurch, the BBC would have to stop making Happy Valley. Or it would mean that we should stop doing EastEnders because ITV does Coronation Street. “The BBC makes good popular programmes – if we withdrew, audiences would have less choice. The value of – and public support for – the BBC comes from the range and depth of its content.”

GETTY The BBC's right to air primetime shows such as Strictly Come Dancing has been questioned

BBC This year's British Bake Off got record viewings

The BBC also rejected the idea of replacing the compulsory licence fee - which every household in the UK with a TV has to pay - in favour of a subscription model. The broadcaster said subscription funding "is the wrong model for the BBC in principle and in practice". It added that such a move "would harm UK content investment and quality, restrict access for audiences, particularly the poorest, and increase the cost they pay.” The corporation also outlined radical plans for reform including modernisation for the "internet age".

GETTY The future of the BBC's licence fee has been raised