[DTV]

Yes, Scotland has a very different political situation and culture, but is it fair for licence payers in England to effectively subsidise a dedicated channel while we get the odd token opt out?

Of course I'd prefer it not up be a race to the bottom and the English Regions to all have the funding that he Nations do to provide local opt outs reflecting the region.

I think the different levels of funding and service are fair, because of the political differences. Indeed, I would say that it would be fundamentally inappropriate to fund English regions to the same level as the nations owing to the completely different political contexts. The nations, and Scotland in particular, have to cover governments with significant powers. They therefore need their own specialist policy correspondents and the ability to provide more coverage. Other than a handful of glorified transport executives, there is no regional government in England. The levels of hard news between the nations and the regions is simply not comparable.

To require members to provide an alternative solution is absurd. I would imagine that very few of us have access to BBC financial accounts or inside knowledge of the services provided. I think it's perfectly reasonable for members to voice concern over these proposals. Time will tell if it's the only credible solution, but I think it's fine to disagree in terms of the principle of the changes to BBC News without having to work out alternative cost savings.

If people were purely 'voicing concerns' then it might be absurd, but several members have suggested things that amount to sacrificing BBC World News to save the BBC News channel with little regard to the realities of the situation. It is obviously fine for members to post it, but I don't think it is unreasonable to ask those members which parts of the rest of BBC News' output would they be willing to sacrifice in the resultant further round of cuts.