No 10 does not deny Foreign Office intervened over letter on Telegraph takeover
Lucy Frazer had suggested this week she was ‘minded’ to open an investigation into whether the deal was against the public interest.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Downing Street has not denied reports that the Foreign Office intervened to “soften” language used by the Culture Secretary to avoid offending an Abu Dhabi-backed fund seeking to take over the Telegraph newspaper.
Lucy Frazer had suggested this week she was “minded” to open an investigation into whether the deal was against the public interest and the effect it may have on press freedom.
She said she had written to the fund, RedBird IMI, as well as the publication’s previous owners, the Barclay family, and their bank, Lloyds, to inform them of the possible intervention.
I wouldn't usually get into speculative reporting. I would just say it's also standard practice for the Foreign Office to provide advice to other Government departments, but to be very clear this matter and decision is solely one for the Culture Secretary
Officials are said to have been worried about offending the United Arab Emirates – which includes Abu Dhabi – ahead of a summit in London for foreign investors next week, the Telegraph reported.
On Friday, Number 10 said it was “standard procedure” for the Foreign Office to advise other Government departments.
Asked whether there were concerns over the reports, a spokeswoman said: “I wouldn’t usually get into speculative reporting.
“I would just say it’s also standard practice for the Foreign Office to provide advice to other Government departments, but to be very clear this matter and decision is solely one for the Culture Secretary.”
She said no decisions have yet been taken and it is an “ongoing consideration process”.
RedBird IMI investment fund, which is a joint venture between US firm RedBird Capital and International Media Investments (IMI) of Abu Dhabi, earlier confirmed it had reached a deal with the Barclays which would see debts they owed to Lloyds repaid.
RedBird IMI and the Foreign Office have been contacted for comment.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.