A senior Conservative MP has suggested that the government’s move to privatize Channel 4 was in “revenge” for the station’s “biased” coverage of Brexit. Writing on Twitter, Mr Knight said: “Is this in retaliation for Channel 4 biased coverage of Brexit and personal attacks on the Prime Minister? “Undoubtedly, in much of the party – there is a sense of damping time and the word privatization tickles the ivory of many.” However, Mr Knight said he would support the media bill as a way to reform public service broadcasting – saying that Channel 4 “would have more freedom to compete once it was privatized and managed properly”. The government is facing a growing backlash from Conservative MPs over the plan, announced last night by Nadine Dorries, the culture minister. Labor, meanwhile, has increased its lead over the Tories by seven points, according to a new poll. Savanta ComRes is in opposition with 40 percent (+1) against the Conservatives 33 percent (-2). The polling company surveyed 2,220 people between April 1st and 3rd.

Basic points

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Russian ambassador’s deportation, court set up to prosecute Putin for war crimes, Labor says

Boris Johnson is called upon to toughen his stance amid global disgust at the barbarity unleashed by Russian forces, which was revealed as its troops withdrew from Kyiv. Deputy Political Writer Rob Merrick has more details below: Matt Mathers April 5, 2022 12:35 pm 1649156634

Senior Tories ask if Channel 4 sell-out is ‘revenge’ for Brexit

Another senior Tory lawmaker, Julian Knight – chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sports Selection Committee – questioned the motive behind the planned sell-off, Adam Forrest said. “Is this in retaliation for Channel 4 biased coverage of Brexit and personal attacks on the prime minister?” “Undoubtedly, in much of the party – there is a sense of damping time and the word privatization tickles the ivory of many.” However, Mr Knight said he would support the media bill as a way of reforming public service broadcasting – saying that Channel 4 “would have more freedom to compete once it was privatized and managed properly”. He added: “Privatization – even for some wrong reason – may work for C4, but it must be part of a thorough overhaul of all public service broadcasters.” Matt Mathers April 5, 2022 12:03 PM 1649156447

Voters do not think about Irish unity, says Sin Fein leader

Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill said people in Northern Ireland at the moment are not waking up thinking of Irish unity. The Republican leader said that while the day would come when people would vote for the constitutional future of Northern Ireland, their focus today is on the cost of living crisis. Ms O’Neill was reacting to the latest public opinion poll on the unity of Ireland. The Institute of Irish Studies / University of Liverpool / Irish News found that 30% would vote for a united Ireland if a referendum were held tomorrow, with 45.3% voting against and the rest either not voting or saying they did not know . Ms O’Neill was asked about the poll as she spoke at a pre-election business convention hosted by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce. “I think this is an interesting poll,” he said. “It’s one in a long line of polls. I looked at the numbers very briefly this morning, but I do not think people woke up this morning thinking that. “I think people woke up this morning thinking about the cost of living crisis. I think people woke up this morning around the pressure they are feeling right now. Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill said people in Northern Ireland at the moment are not waking up thinking of Irish unity. Matt Mathers5 April 2022 12:00 1649155253

ICYMI: German Chancellor to visit Boris Johnson to “galvanize” military support to Ukraine

Our Deputy Political Writer, Rob Merrick, reports: Matt Mathers 5 April 2022 11:40 1649154371

Prosecute Russian ambassador for ‘war crimes’, Labor urges government

Labor is urging the government to pursue the Allies by ousting the Russian ambassador to Britain in the wake of Vladimir Putin’s alleged “war crimes” in Ukraine. The shadowy Foreign Minister David Lamy: “The heinous acts committed by Vladimir Putin and his friends in Ukraine are undoubtedly tantamount to war crimes. “There should be no room for the Russian ambassador to parrot the regime’s lies or intelligence agents to continue their hostile activity in the United Kingdom. “As Russia’s expulsion from the United Nations Human Rights Council, we need to create a special tribunal to personally prosecute Putin and his gangster regime.” Matt Mathers 5 April 2022 11:26 1649153310

Labor is increasing its lead in the polls over the Tories

The Labor Party has expanded its lead over the Tories, according to a new poll. Savanta ComRes is in opposition with 40 percent (+1) against the Conservatives 33 percent (-2). The polling company surveyed 2,220 people between April 1st and 3rd. Matt Mathers April 5, 2022 11:08 AM 1649153142

Local councils deserve a round of applause – they work hard

There is no national narrative to the range of services that councils provide – and therefore, we do not have the same emotional attachment to them as to the NHS, writes Chris Twigg Read Chris’s full article here: Matt Mathers5 April 2022 11:05 1649152191

The Channel 4 sell-out could be “good,” says William Hague

Former Tory leader William Hague said the privatization of Channel 4 could be positive, following reports that the government is seeking 1 1 billion from the sale, according to Adam Forrest. “It depends in part on what you do with the money,” he told Times Radio. “If this raises a billion pounds and is intended to support the creative industries, as part of our leveling agenda. “Well, if it is spent effectively, that will be good.” Hague also said the government could be “disappointed” if it thought the news on Channel 4 would be different after the privatization. “I’m not sure Channel 4 News should be drastically different. It will still be able to choose its editorial line within these constraints. So if their goal is to change the news, they may be very disappointed. “ Matt Mathers April 5, 2022 10:49 AM 1649151342

Brexit has revealed the immense stupidity of Jacob Rees-Mogg – that’s a benefit, right there

If there is anyone alive out there who has “moved” from Partygate, Jacob Rees-Mogg should hope that none of them listened to his radio on LBC, writes our political cartoonist Tom Peck. Read Tom’s full article here: Matt Mathers5 April 2022 10:35 1649150111

Russia must face “maximum” sanctions for atrocities in Ukraine, Trash says as Biden demands war crimes trial

Russia should be hit with the “maximum level” of sanctions for its atrocities in Ukraine, Liz Truz said on Monday, as President Joe Biden called for Vladimir Putin to be tried for war crimes. Our political correspondent Ashley Cowburn reports: Matt Mathers April 5, 2022 10:15