Dozens of MPs have urged the Culture Secretary to block the Abu Dhabi-backed takeover of The Telegraph owing to concerns about the threat to press freedom.
A Cabinet minister and frontbenchers from both major parties are among 73 MPs known to oppose the bid by Redbird IMI, a private equity joint venture that is three-quarters funded by the Gulf autocracy.
Lucy Frazer, the Culture Secretary, ordered a review of the planned takeover by Ofcom in December amid concerns about editorial independence and national security.
The regulator is expected to deliver its recommendations within weeks, but it is Ms Frazer who has the power to ultimately block or approve Redbird IMI’s plans.
One Cabinet minister told The Telegraph: “I do not support the sale and hope it won’t go ahead.”
Four other Conservative ministers are also understood to have concerns about editorial independence. One said: “Abu Dhabi doesn’t have a great record – The Telegraph is really important and I’m deeply suspicious of the idea of it being moved away.”
Prominent Tory backbenchers who are critical of the sale include Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former party leader, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, a former Brexit minister, and Alicia Kearns, the chairman of the foreign affairs committee.
International Media Investments (IMI), an Abu Dhabi vehicle backed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, is providing 75pc of the £600m price for The Telegraph and The Spectator, its sister publication and the oldest magazine in the world.
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