The Final Hurdle?

Three years in the making and it could yet come undone. The Communications Bill looks set to get a rough ride in the House of Lords this week.

Peers, led by Lord Puttnam, Lord Bragg, Lord Hussey and Lord McNally are threatening to force a vote if clauses designed to lift foreign ownership restrictions are not removed. They see the proposals, particularly a clause which allows a national newspaper group to buy into the fifth terrestrial broadcasting licence, as a threat to diversity.

The Government, keen to pass the new legislation before the end of the session, is apparently taking the threat seriously enough to be eyeing other legislation in which to slot key provisions if the proposed legislation fails to pass the upper house.

However, even if the peers were successful forcing a vote, the Government would likely have no problem winning with the known level of support for the proposals on the opposition benches.

A week of politicking lies ahead. Keep watching.