Bbc, Language And The Debate On Europe

EDM number 544 in 1994-95, proposed by Alan Duncan on 06/02/1995.

That this House commends John Birt for his speech on 3rd February in which he discussed the risk of reporting balance 'swinging towards disputation and away from reflection'; nonetheless recognises that the BBC's coverage of politics has by and large proved equitable; but regrets to this end that the term 'Euro-sceptic' has been used more and more loosely in radio and television reports; considers that the inconsistent manner in which the label 'Euro-sceptic' has crept into editorial shorthand displays a facile appreciation of parliamentary opinion and that it is too simplistic and ill-defined a term to achieve an understanding of the issue involved; further notes that wanting to be 'at the heart of Europe' has become an over-worked phrase devoid of all useful meaning; and calls upon the BBC along with journalists and politicians alike, to advance the debate on the future of the United Kingdom in Europe with a more careful use of language which forgoes the traditional antiphony of tired old cliches.

This motion has been signed by a total of 2 MPs.