EXC: IDS Writes to Nandy Calling for ‘Urgent Action’ Over Alleged ‘China Links’ in Telegraph Takeover

Sir Iain Duncan Smith has written again to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, demanding she issues a Foreign State Intervention Notice over RedBird’s attempted takeover of The Telegraph. He flags reported links between RedBird’s chairman, John Thornton, and the Chinese state. Last week , nine human rights and freedom of expression groups also called on Nandy to halt the deal and investigate RedBird’s China connections…

The former Tory leader goes on to claim RedBird may have already breached the 2024 Public Interest Merger Order, designed to prevent major management shake-ups or the removal of key staff before approval. He points to The Telegraph’s editorial budget being cut by £5.3 million two weeks ago…

A spokesperson for RedBird said: “There is no Chinese involvement or infl