Should Channel 4 move to Norwich?

Could Norwich be to Channel 4 what Salford is to the BBC?

A Norfolk MP certainly thinks so after singing the praises of the city to the secretary of state for data, culture, media and sport Karen Bradley.

South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon made the case for the city, pointing to Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) in the House of Commons when the question of a relocation of the publicly-owned station was raised.

Mr Bacon said: 'Given that NUA produces many digital and creative graduates each year, does the secretary of state agree, notwithstanding the fact that she is not going to make a public endorsement, that Channel 4 should carefully consider the merits of Norfolk for a new location when it moves outside London?'

However, the secretary of state would not be drawn on where the future might lie for the channel.

She said: 'What we have found through this process, which is still ongoing, is the vast number of incredible creative locations that we have across the whole of the United Kingdom. I urge them all to continue to put forward their suggestions and proposals, not just for Channel 4 but for all other creative industries, because getting creative clusters and a centre of gravity in an area means that creativity can flourish.'

Mrs Bradley has said Channel 4 'must have a major presence outside London' so it can provide for the country as a whole.

She added she had heard a number of bids and she would recommend members put their cases to the Channel 4 board.