THE UK Government's contempt for S4C is abundantly clear. The Comprehensive Spending Review in October confirmed that the BBC would adopt the budget of S4C while simultaneously slashing 25 per cent from the channel's funding.
My party and I have fought to ensure that the operational, editorial and financial independence of our channel is safeguarded.
I was therefore disappointed by the failure of four Labour MPs who represent Welsh constituencies and sit on the Welsh Affairs Committee to attend the final meeting in which we finalised our report.
If the four Labour MPs were present, my amendments to the report which recommended a wide-ranging review of S4C and a direct funding stream, independent of the BBC, would have been secured.
Just nine days before the Welsh General Election the Labour party were not "standing up for Wales" at all.
This week the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee also launched its report on S4C — branding the UK Government's deal with the BBC "a shotgun marriage" and questioned how S4C could retain its independence.
My position, the position of my constituency colleague Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM and the position of my party has been consistent since we learnt the UK Government had brokered their behind-closed-doors deal with the BBC over the funding of our Welsh language channel — the deal was rushed, ill-thought out and had absolutely no consultation with the S4C authority.
My worst fears for the future of S4C have unfortunately been confirmed by these two damning reports.
The UK Government's actions are at best irresponsible and at worst appalling. The Secretary of State must sit up and listen to these reports and alter the Government's appalling attitude towards our channel.
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