Former prime minister is latest senior politician to speak out against deal as Ofcom inquiry
continues.

Sir John Major has said it is not a “good idea” for the United Arab Emirates-backed takeover of The Telegraph to go ahead.

The former prime minister said he did not want newspapers to fall into “autocratic or semi-autocratic hands”.

MPs and peers have warned of the ramifications of the bid to take over The Telegraph and The Spectator by RedBird IMI, a fund that is 75 per cent financed by the UAE.

Lucy Frazer, the Culture Secretary, has triggered a public interest investigation into the sale,
citing concerns about the accurate presentation of news and free expression.

Speaking on Thursday at Brand Finance’s Global Soft Power summit in London, Sir John sai he wanted large national newspapers to be in the hands of “people who understand the British instinct”.

Read more: telegraph.co.uk

Photo: telegraph.co.uk