Prime Minister Burnham Addresses Freeview Future, Meets Macron, Faces Economic Warnings

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham issued an update on plans to switch off Freeview, stating he is concerned about the proposals and promising to have a proper look at it.

The plans involve phasing out over-the-air digital Freeview signals in favor of internet-only streaming services, a move backed by the BBC and other UK broadcasters. Freeview is guaranteed to broadcast over the air until 2034, and 9.7 million UK households still use it or Freesat. A government green paper last month outlined proposals to scrap Freeview, prompting a petition from the Countryside Alliance to save over-the-air broadcasts.

Burnham also held his first official talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday at Downing Street. Macron hailed the very special relationship between France and the UK, emphasizing cooperation on "Defence, energy, support for Ukraine and European security." Burnham highlighted collaboration with France to reduce small boat crossings, noting the number of French officers deployed would increase to nearly 1,050.

The UK recorded its lowest number of summer small boat arrivals since 2020, though Burnham cautioned against complacency. Domestically, Burnham refused to rule out increasing borrowing or taxes in the upcoming Budget next month. Bond traders warned that Burnham risks a Liz Truss-style market meltdown if he fails to present a credible plan to fund his agenda.

UK borrowing costs have surged to multi-decade highs this week, with the cost of long-term government borrowing hitting its highest level since 1998 on Wednesday, and the 10-year gilt yield reaching its highest point since 2007. Investors are particularly concerned about Burnham’s fiscal agenda. Burnham also pledged to work with the SNP amidst fears that a UK Government decision on a 25-year energy sector plan could imperil the ScotWind project, which represents £78.5 billion of potential investment and could support over 21,000 jobs. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is set to decide on the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan.