English Language Usage By The BBC

EDM number 38 in 2008-09, proposed by Nicholas Winterton on 03/12/2008.
Categorised under the topic of Broadcasting.

That this House expresses its concern about the declining standard in the use of the English language by BBC broadcasters; is concerned that new and persistent mispronunciations and grammatical errors are being missed or ignored by editors and producers; commends the role of the BBC in broadcasting to the entire United Kingdom; acknowledges that English is a living language; further acknowledges that a variety of accents and styles of speech should be represented; is of the opinion that the stated aim of the BBC to reflect as much as possible the varied activities, accents and cultures of the different communities which constitute the UK's population is often misguided in its application; is disappointed that the BBC concludes that its stated aim results in a more relaxed style of speech which employs phrases commonly used by sections of the audience which seem inappropriate and occasionally nonsensical to others; recognises that the appeal of individual presenters results from the accent and style in which they communicate; does not believe that dictating to individual presenters on the proper and grammatically correct use of English would inhibit spontaneity and introduce a uniformity which would undermine their appeal to audiences across the UK; expresses its hope that the BBC will re-adopt the role of preserver of the English language, thereby acting in the best interests of its audiences; and calls on the BBC to recognise its duty to maintain the highest standards of spoken English and pronunciation across its broadcasting.

This motion has been signed by a total of 16 MPs.