The NMA says that the draft legislation would give the Digital Markets Unit (DMU) new statutory powers to level the playing field between news publishers and the tech platforms. It includes measures to “create new competition rules for digital markets and the largest digital firms”, according to the Government’s briefing notes on the Queen’s Speech 2022 (see item above).

Responding to the Queen’s Speech, the NMA’s chief executive, Owen Meredith, said: “We welcome the inclusion of the draft Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill in the Queen’s Speech today. We are pleased the government has recognised the imbalance of bargaining power between news publishers and digital platforms and is taking this important step forward to enhance competition in the digital ecosystem.

Further, Mr Meredith said that the NMA “look[s] forward to this legislation being introduced as soon as possible to give it the tools it needs to get on with the job”.

Responding to the Queen’s Speech, the NMA also welcomed provisions in the Media Bill to repeal s 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013, which was a Conservative Party manifesto commitment from the last two general elections.

Mr Meredith said: “Repealing this pernicious legislation will be a very welcome step forward for press freedom in this country.” To read NMA’s press release in full, click here.