Ian Birrell, former deputy editor of "The Independent" and who was one of David Cameron's speechwriters during the election campaign in 2010, expresses his opinion in this "Guardian" piece.

Ian ends by writing:-

"...  There is a danger that persistent top-slicing, political jousting and attempts to appease commercial rivals leave the BBC slowly diminished. Yet as I travel the globe, reporting on chaos and turmoil, my appreciation of this precious jewel is intensified. It is a rare unifying force in our nation and a trusted voice around the planet, even in this disruptive and unruly age. Tackling this state body is treacherous political terrain for the Tories, as with the NHS.

But there is one big difference: the BBC really is the envy of the world."