Politics

In a statement issued today, the Culture Secretary said:

Today I can confirm that following my intervention in the proposed acquisition of Sky plc by 21st Century Fox Inc., I have received reports from Ofcom on two public interest grounds, and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on jurisdiction, as set out in the European Intervention Notice (EIN) issued on 16th March 2017.

In addition, Ofcom has provided me with a copy of its separate fit and proper assessment which it carried out in accordance with its duty under the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996, and which it confirmed on the 16th March would be considered within the same timeframe as the public interest assessment.

The EIN issued on 16th March required Ofcom to assess and report to me on two public interest grounds: 1) the need for there to be a plurality of persons controlling media enterprises; and 2) for those carrying on or in control of such enterprises to have a genuine commitment to the attainment of broadcasting standards objectives. It also required the CMA to report to me on jurisdiction.

The reports were originally due on the 16th May and, on the 21st April, I extended this deadline to 20th June in light of the announcement of the General Election.

The decision before me now, which I am required to take acting in a quasi-judicial capacity, is whether – taking account of the specified public interest grounds – it is, or may be the case, that the merger operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest and therefore whether or not to refer for a fuller phase 2 investigation by the CMA. I will consider these reports in detail before coming to an initial view on whether or not I am minded to refer the merger.

I will aim to make my initial ‘minded to’ decision, publish the CMA and Ofcom public interest reports – in line with the requirements under the Enterprise Act 2002 – and return to Parliament to make an oral statement by Thursday 29th June. There will then be an opportunity for representations to be made before I take a final decision.

In the meantime, given the ongoing quasi-judicial nature of this process, I am unable to comment substantively on the matter of this case. My priority remains – as it has throughout this proposed merger – to make my decision independently, following a process that is scrupulously fair and impartial, and as quickly as possible.

Notes to Editors

1. The Culture Secretary intervened in the proposed acquisition of Sky plc by 21st Century Fox by issuing a European Intervention Notice (EIN) on Thursday 16th March. The EIN specified that reports on two public interest grounds by Ofcom and on jurisdiction by the CMA, should be submitted by Tuesday 16th May.
2. On 21st April the Culture Secretary extended this deadline to Tuesday 20th June due to the announcement of the General Election.
3. The reports from the CMA and Ofcom to the Culture Secretary will be published on our website by Thursday 29th June. Ofcom’s separate fit and proper assessment will be published by them (on the same timetable).
4. All the received representations and statements detailing the process and requirements up till this point are available on the DCMS website.

Public Health England (PHE) is urging gay and bisexual men to take extra precautions against infection of hepatitis A, as cases are increasingly reported in the community. Those attending World Pride in Madrid are encouraged to visit their genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic to request the vaccine.

Those not travelling to World Pride are advised to ask about vaccination at their next sexual health check-up.

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious virus causing inflammation of the liver, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and a flu-like illness. While it can be transmitted through food or water contaminated with faeces, the recent cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) are believed to have been spread through oral or anal sex.

Those most at risk are MSM with multiple partners, while some cases have been linked to those visiting Spain and other European countries.

Cases are more prevalent in London. However, as people travel within the UK or further abroad this summer, it is feared more will be exposed to the virus.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE, said:

Hepatitis A among gay and bisexual men is significantly higher than usual, making it important to take extra care – especially if travelling to other countries. MSM and bisexual men are at highest risk and should ask about the hepatitis A vaccine next time they visit a GUM clinic.

The Spanish government has asked those attending the World Pride event in Madrid to get protected but there are some vaccine shortages locally. Therefore, those intending to travel should ask at their GUM clinics before they leave.

For those not vaccinated, infection can be avoided through careful hygiene during and after sex. The advice is to:

• wash your hands after sex (ideally buttocks, groin and penis too)
• use protection for fingering, rimming and fisting
• change condoms between anal and oral sex
• avoid sharing sex toys

Hepatitis A is usually mild, although it can last for several weeks and in some cases requires hospitalisation.

PHE is working with partners including Terrence Higgins Trust to raise awareness of the preventative measures, as well as symptoms of hepatitis A, to avoid further spread of the virus.

Cary James, Head of Health Improvement at Terrence Higgins Trust, said:

We’re concerned about the outbreak of hepatitis A, a virus which affects the liver. Gay and bisexual men are particularly affected so we would urge them to follow PHE’s advice around vaccination, be aware of the symptoms and follow the prevention advice.

By following these easy steps, you will stay protected and can enjoy a safe, healthy and happy Pride season.

Symptoms of Hep A can include:

• a short, mild, flu-like illness
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhoea
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faeces)
• itchy skin