Over the next two days (7-8 June), BBC journalists in England who work in local radio, TV and online services, will strike over cuts to BBC local radio.

Today I met with local NUJ reps in parliament to show my support for their industrial action. I chaired a cross-party discussion about the impact cuts to BBC radio services would have on my constituents who rely on local radio coverage.

Under the proposed plans, local radio programming hours will be cut by more than half with BBC local stations sharing programmes between 2 or 3 stations after 2pm on weekdays and all weekends. This means that only programmes from 6am to 2pm will remain local.

Local radio is extremely popular, and the latest figures show that 5.7 million people tune in to hear local news, traffic reports, entertainment and more on their local station.

I stand in solidarity with striking journalists providing vital local services to regions across England including BBC Newcastle and BBC Tees in my constituency. I commend their commitment to local BBC services. So far, journalists working to rule has proven how much the BBC relies on journalists’ goodwill and dedication, with shows like BBC Look North coming off air as staff refuse to take on more senior positions out of necessity.

The current availability of local news coverage should not be compromised. High-quality local news updates are an important means of keeping communities informed. BBC local radio reaches 2.2 million listeners who listen to no other BBC radio channels and other commercial radio stations have a much smaller emphasis on news coverage. There is a risk of excluding a large part of society from local news if the cuts to BBC local radio are to go ahead.

The NUJ wants to sit down with the BBC and work on specific solutions for every site and station. The BBC has rejected all the NUJ’s counter-proposals so far. The BBC must work with the NUJ to find a resolution that ensures BBC local radio is kept local.

A vote by NUJ reps earlier this month indicated that only seven per cent of journalists retain the confidence of senior leadership, with 93 per cent confirming they no longer have confidence in the team. It seems that a culture change is needed in the BBC to ensure that workers are valued and respected for their work keeping local programmes on the air.

It is so important that MPs across the political spectrum support BBC local radio as it is a vital resource to our communities. I believe we must stand in solidarity to protect the services we value, and few are more precious than local radio.