Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to give local newspapers “greater control of their data and content” if he becomes Prime Minister – and accused the Tory Government of being “disrespectful” to the regional press.

The Labour leader has backed “moves to make platforms pay for news content” and praised the work of regional journalists in a piece to mark Journalism Matters week.

Sir Keir, pictured, used the op-ed to criticise the Conservatives over what he claimed was a “refusal to engage adequately with local newspapers”.

It follows yesterday’s piece by Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan in which she pledged to give the new Digital Markets Unit the power to step in to solve pricing disputes between news outlets and platforms, and to repeal Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013, which is designed to force publishers to sign up to a ‘recognised’ system of press regulation.

Journalism Matters organiser the News Media Association has long called for the Government to act on both issues.

In his piece, Sir Keir wrote: “The Tories’ refusal to engage adequately with local newspapers and radio is short-sighted and disrespectful.

“Speaking to local papers when touring the country is an important way for me to not only convey our message, but to learn what local people are worried about, what they need, and what they aspire for.

“This is not just about culture and a vital free press. The creative industries and the pipelines for talent they nurture, are a driver of economic growth in lots of cities around the UK.”

Sir Keir added: “Big tech platforms now dominate the online advertising market, to the detriment of consumers, potential rivals, and newspapers.

“The way the Government has dragged its feet on levelling the playing field between big tech platforms and news organisations, threatens the sustainability of journalism.

“In the platform age, it’s only fair that creators are fairly rewarded for their work and not just the platforms that profit from it.

“That’s why we support moves to make platforms pay for news content and to give newspapers and publishers greater control of their data and content.

“The Government must act to secure the future of our media. Labour is proud of our country, and the journalists who report on our daily life.

“They have a crucial job in holding us to account, and a special trusted place in the life of the nation. We will always be committed to ensuring a sustainable, secure future for our media.