MP's warning to minister on equal pay row

Fylde MP Mark Menzies has called on ministers to ensure there is pay equality across the BBC.
Fylde MP Mark MenziesFylde MP Mark Menzies
Fylde MP Mark Menzies

He spoke in a BBC pay debate in Parliament, triggered by the resignation of the broadcaster’s China editor Carrie Gracie in protest over her pay, which she says was below that of men in similar roles.

Mr Menzies (right)played a part in shaping the legislation which forced the BBC to reveal the pay of everyone earning more than £150,000.

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He told MPs: “I was a member of the Committee on the Digital Economy Act 2017, the legislation brought about this change, so I thank the minister for steering it through, in the teeth of resistance from the BBC.

“As several people have already said though, this is not just about how much women are paid; it is about pay equality full stop.

“It is about ensuring that everyone throughout the BBC gets equal pay.

“Will the minister now really endeavour to ensure that everyone throughout this public sector organisation, not just the high-profile figures in front of the camera, gets equality within the law?”

Secretary of State Matt Hancock said the committee had ensured the measures were “properly scrutinised” and became law thanks to the cross party work of MPs.