Damian Green, Conservative MP for Ashford, is Chairman of the Parliamentary All-Party BBC Group.

In his article in "The Daily Telegraph" here, he writes:-

"Conservatives should celebrate the BBC, not tear it down."

"The free market fundamentalists who want to destroy the BBC are in danger of damaging our national culture".

He continues to quote various polls which support the BBC's fundamental principles.

He then continues..

"To many other public sector bodies this [a cut in funding in real terms of 10%] will not seem out of line or unfair, and certainly does not damage the long-term prospects for the BBC. It will require tough management decisions, but so it should in the current climate. As well as having a respect for institutions, a Tory will be wary of public bodies not feeling any financial pressure.  "