Industrial action at National World

That this House believes that local journalism holds a unique and invaluable place in our democracy; commends local journalists for ensuring our communities remain well-informed, connected and provided with trustworthy news coverage; stands in solidarity with members of the National Union of Journalists taking industrial action against their employer National World, publisher of over one hundred titles across the UK including The Scotsman, Yorkshire Post, Sunderland Echo, Belfast's News Letter, and The News in Portsmouth; believes that this dispute is not only about pay and conditions, but about the securing the future sustainability of these local titles; regrets that by prioritising short term profits and shareholder pay-outs whilst cutting staff to unsustainable levels, the management of National World are not only jeopardising the long-term viability of the business but also placing an intolerable burden on the well-being of its staff; and therefore calls on management to take steps to improve minimum salaries and address pay disparities at the company to ensure journalists are fairly compensated for their essential contributions to our society and democracy.