Dozens of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have urged Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to halt the controversial sale of The Telegraph and The Spectator to RedBird IMI, a fund backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with alleged links to China.
The coalition, which includes groups like Reporters Without Borders and Index on Censorship, has raised concerns over potential foreign influence on British media. In a letter seen by The Guardian, they warned that the deal could undermine press freedom and editorial independence.
Growing Concerns Over Media Ownership
The proposed £600m acquisition has already faced scrutiny from regulators and politicians. Critics argue that RedBird IMI's financial ties to China, through its Abu Dhabi-based investors, pose a threat to the integrity of two of Britain's most influential publications.
"This isn't just about ownership—it's about safeguarding democracy," said one signatory. "We cannot allow critical media outlets to fall under the sway of authoritarian regimes."
Government Under Pressure
Nandy is now under mounting pressure to intervene. The NGOs have called for a formal review under the National Security and Investment Act, which allows the government to block deals that threaten national security.
Meanwhile, RedBird IMI has insisted that the deal is purely commercial and that editorial independence would be preserved. However, sceptics remain unconvinced, pointing to China's track record of media manipulation.
The controversy comes amid broader debates about foreign ownership of UK assets, with recent legislation tightening rules on acquisitions by state-linked entities.
