Conservatives are the most oppressed minority in the country, a Tory MP has claimed.
Today, Conservative culture secretary John Whittingdale unveiled the government's plans for the BBC
's future, which include a rise in the licence fee and a plan to charge people to watch programmes on the iPlayer.
Former Tory cabinet minister Peter Lilley told MPs today the BBC had to make more of an effort to air a broader range of views.
"Can he make sure the BBC," Lilley asked Whittingdale. "In encouraging diversity, it encourages the inclusion of the views of that greatest oppressed minority in this country - those of conservatives."
Key points from today’s White Paper:
The licence fee, currently £145.50 a year, will run for another 11 years and rise in line with inflation from 2017 until 2022
All stars earning over £450,000 will be forced to reveal their salaries
A new governing board to replace the Trust, with over half of its members appointed by the broadcaster
Ofcom will become BBC’s new regulator
Extend charter renewal to 11 years to avoid it clashing with general election campaigns
Put diversity at the heart of the BBC’s charter