BBC review: Chris Bryant warns of 'long-term worries'

A major government review of the BBC could mean "long-term worries" for the corporation, the shadow culture secretary has warned.

Chris Bryant accused the Culture Secretary John Whittingdale, as well as the Prime Minister's and Chancellor's offices, of briefing about wanting to "cut the BBC down to size".

Mr Bryant also said most of the advisory panel set up by Mr Whittingdale for the review had "a direct financial interest against the BBC".

The publication of the Green Paper comes a week after the BBC agreed to take on the cost of free TV licences for the over 75s, a policy which could cost the corporation up to £650m.