MP targets BBC's use of English

Sir Nicholas said better use of grammar would not 'inhibit spontaneity'

Senior MP Sir Nicholas Winterton has called on the BBC to "readopt the role of preserver of the English language".

The Macclesfield MP said the BBC had encouraged a "relaxed style" and a variety of accents, sometimes resulting in "nonsensical" phrases being used.

Sir Nicholas has tabled a House of Commons motion, expressing concern over "persistent mispronunciations and grammatical errors" in broadcasts.

But he also warned against the corporation encouraging "uniformity".

In his early day motion, Sir Nicholas calls on the BBC to "recognise its duty to maintain the highest standards of spoken English and pronunciation across its broadcasting".

However, he says he "acknowledges that English is a living language" and "further acknowledges that a variety of accents and styles of speech should be represented".

Sir Nicholas adds that he "does not believe that dictating to individual presenters on the proper and grammatically correct use of English would inhibit spontaneity and introduce a uniformity which would undermine their appeal to audiences across the UK".

No other MP has yet signed Sir Nicholas's motion, which was tabled on Wednesday.