In response to a letter from the News Media Association seeking views from the Conservative leadership candidates on key media industry issues, Rishi Sunak said that as Chancellor, he had “pushed for the creation of the Digital Markets Unit and for it to be put on a statutory footing with real teeth”. He also confirmed that he would “take forward the promised Digital Markets legislation this autumn, including measures to ensure fair terms between publishers and platforms”, if selected as Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister.

As for s 40 of the 2013 Act, Mr Sunak said that he would repeal the legislation “as a matter of urgency”, saying also that “[i]t’s vital that we remove this measure which seeks to coerce the press and stifle free speech ahead of the next General Election”.

Asked in an interview with the Eastern Daily Press whether she would match Mr Sunak’s commitments, Liz Truss said: “I absolutely have already said that I will keep those commitments”. To read NMA’s press releases in full, click here.