Sajid Javid’s busy first day as business secretary – here’s what he said on the BBC, strikes and the EU
Not even 24 hours into his first day as business secretary in David Cameron's all-Tory cabinet, and Sajid Javid is on the front foot with a media blitz having appeared on three different morning TV and radio shows.
Notably, the government's business secretary chose the BBC (appearing on BBC Breakfast, Radio 5 Live and Radio 4's Today) to reject claims that the Tories plan to go to war on the BBC.
"Not at all," said Javid, when asked if there was a war. "There is a bit of over-excitement in those headlines. First of all, John Whittingdale is an excellent choice for culture secretary. He is someone who is hugely experienced."
Javid was formerly culture secretary in the coalition government but that mantle has now been handed to select committee heavyweight Whittingdale.
"When it comes to long-term funding of the BBC, clearly there's been lots of changes in the broadcasting environment, not least technology changes. I think it's sensible to look at that, to make sure the BBC is on a sustainable long-term funding arrangement," Javid told the Today programme about the review of its charter.
Javid said he believed "passionately in free enterprise" and laid out some of his plans.
He will push for new laws on strikes: "There will be a minimum threshold of turnout of 50 per cent of those entitled to vote. We've also said that, when it comes to essential public services, at least 40 per cent of people need to vote for strike action."
The government is "absolutely committed" to a referendum on the EU membership, regardless of the outcome of negotiations on the terms of membership, he said this morning.
"What I want to see first is a successful renegotiation," said Javid, declining to say which way he would vote if an in/out referendum were to be held tomorrow.
Read more: What you need to know about Sajid Javid