The Tories’ BBC haters have been halted. Next, to Europe | Martin Kettle

With today’s BBC white paper one national disaster has been narrowly averted. But David Cameron’s weak leadership on the EU could yet unleash another

Be very clear about the BBC white paper. In almost any other country in the world this would not be happening at all. Beyond Britain the BBC is universally revered. It stands for excellence and independence; and because of that excellence and independence, it stands above all for reliability. There is no other engine of soft power to touch it on the planet.

Related: BBC white paper: key points at a glance

Related: Seumas Milne on Pinkoes and Traitors by Jean Seaton – review: my father, the BBC and a very British coup

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