The BBC has long been an iconic institution in the UK, valued for its broad programming and role in public service broadcasting.

However, there is growing concern among British citizens over the licence fee that funds the BBC. At the heart of the issue is the increasing perception of bias in the BBC’s reporting, particularly on global affairs. This is not seen as a minor flaw, but a serious departure from the impartiality the BBC is required to uphold. A public broadcaster should present balanced, fair coverage — yet many feel the BBC has fallen short.

Alongside editorial concerns, the financial burden of the licence fee has become a major point of contention. At a time when household budgets are under strain, being forced to pay for content that is neither wanted nor trusted is viewed as unfair.

In summary, people are:

- Fed up with the BBC’s biased reporting
-Opposed to including the licence fee in council tax
- Frustrated by its annual increases
- Disappointed by the removal of free licences for pensioners

Over the past decade, the licence fee has risen from £145.50 in 2015 to £174.50 in 2025 — an increase of nearly 20%. By contrast, a standard Netflix subscription costs £131.88 per year, making it over £40 cheaper than the BBC licence — and it’s voluntary, ad-free, and tailored to viewer choice.

In today’s digital age, the model of funding a broadcaster through a compulsory tax feels increasingly outdated. With on-demand and subscription platforms now the norm, it's time to rethink how public service media is funded. Abolishing the licence fee would allow the BBC to explore more modern, flexible, and accountable funding models that better reflect how people consume media today.

Sign this petition to urge the UK Government and the BBC to abolish the licence fee — and to ensure truly impartial, accountable public broadcasting for all.