BBC Scotland channel closure

Early day motion 1010, tabled 21 October 2026 by Chris Law (Scottish National Party). Signed by 1 member.

That this House expresses concern that the BBC will close the BBC Scotland linear television channel in Spring 2027; notes that since its launch in 2019, the channel has provided viewers with a range of exclusive Scottish content encompassing arts, comedy, documentaries, drama, news, and sport, and has been an important launchpad for a number of BBC commissions as well as on and off screen talent that have gone on to have considerable success; regrets that the closure of BBC Scotland will result in 10 jobs being lost adding to the 60 BBC jobs lost in Scotland this year alone, and that the BBC Scotland’s director Hayley Valentine has warned that there will be further cuts in the coming months; shares concerns for the staff affected, who have lost or will lose their livelihoods; further notes that this decision comes in an attempt to save £500m over two years as the BBC faces significant financial pressures; underlines that the decision will be a significant blow to Scotland's media landscape in a long-standing pattern of BBC underinvestment in Scotland, raising serious questions about the broadcaster’s commitment to Scottish audiences and the creative sector, and its public service obligations to serve all parts of the UK fairly and equitably; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to devolve broadcasting to the Scottish Parliament to enhance accountability of BBC Scotland to Scottish audiences and to the Scottish creative sector.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 1.