The future of the BBC Charter has become a major political issue in Westminster, after a House of Lords committee called for a stronger long-term strategy for Britain's public-service broadcaster.

The Communications and Digital Committee has written to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy ahead of the government's expected White Paper on the next BBC Charter. The committee said the review comes at a time of major changes in how audiences discover and consume news and entertainment.

The committee highlighted the BBC's significant financial pressures, including plans to find around £500 million in savings over the next two to three years. It said any additional responsibilities placed on the broadcaster should be matched with adequate funding or accompanied by decisions about what the BBC can realistically continue to provide.

Another major issue is the shift towards platforms such as YouTube and other third-party digital services. The committee said the next Charter should allow the BBC to reach audiences through these platforms while maintaining strong BBC-owned services.

The current BBC Charter is due to expire at the end of 2027, making the forthcoming government White Paper an important stage in determining the broadcaster's future structure, responsibilities and funding arrangements.

The debate places BBC funding, digital media, public-service broadcasting and government policy at the centre of Britain's political and cultural agenda as the Charter renewal process moves forward.