As the anniversary of the first UK lockdown approaches, politicians have joined listeners from around the UK in thanking radio for the important role it has played in helping them deal with the pandemic over the past year.

The initiative included support from famous listeners such Dame Judi Dench to regular listeners from across the country.

See below for the messages from politicians who wanted to say ‘thank you’ to the radio industry.

 

The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP 

Chancellor of the Exchequer

“I grew up loving Power FM and Ocean FM down in Southampton and now as a family we’re huge Capital FM fans. We don’t just listen to the radio, we love doing the competitions as well and I’d like think that we almost won Capital Give me the Cash some time ago and I’m convinced I missed the phone call at the crucial time. But in any case I’m not alone in my love for radio. In a year where many of us have been physically separated from our family and friends, radio has been more important than ever. So thank you to everyone in the industry who have provided an amazing source of entertainment, news and encouragement.”

 

The Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP

Secretary of State for the Department of Health & Social Care

“Radio through the pandemic, it’s been so important in keeping people informed, keeping people entertained. So I want to say a massive thanks to everyone involved in radio for the work they’ve done during this pandemic.”

 

The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP

Secretary of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport

“The unique thing about radio is the way it keeps you company. Whether that’s listening to some of my favourite shows like I’m sorry I haven’t a Clue, whether its driving around my constituency listening to WATO or whether its cooking Christmas lunch to Carols from Classic FM. You really feel you’re in the room with the presenter.”

 

The Rt Hon John Whittingdale OBE MP 

Minister of State for Media & Data, Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport

“Mental Health Minute is a fantastic initiative by the radio sector and it probably has never been as relevant as it is this year. Radio is an immensely powerful medium which provides an essential public service to the millions who tune in every week. Throughout the pandemic radio has not just kept its listeners up-to-date with vital public information, but it has also kept them entertained. I’m a huge fan of radio and I would just like to thank everyone involved across this amazing industry.”

 

Andy Carter MP 

Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Commercial Radio

“Just coming back from my daily lockdown walk, the radio on in my ears listening to the lunchtime news. And it’s the radio that’s kept us going through what’s been an incredibly difficult time so to everybody around the United Kingdom that’s been working in commercial radio that’s done a tremendous job to keep our sprits up, keep us entertained and informed. Thank you for the work you’ve been doing.”

 

John Nicolson MP

SNP Spokesperson for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport

“I love radio. I work as a radio presenter myself as well as an MP and I know just how personal it is. Whether it’s music, or drama or news, it’s an invaluable companion for so many.”