UK Parliament's early day motion on December 11, 2024, expresses serious concerns over the rapid sale process of The Observer to Tortoise Media, warning that such haste could undermine the newspaper's longstanding commitment to independent, quality journalism.

The Observer, the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper, is set to be sold to start-up Tortoise Media with a promise to uphold liberal values and journalistic independence, even as a 48‐hour union strike protested the timing of the deal. Union representatives condemned the decision as disregarding staff concerns, highlighting a conflict between progressive media values and labor rights.

The Observer, a historic British newspaper, has been approved for sale to Tortoise Media. The new management, led by former BBC and The Times executive James Harding and Matthew Barzun, promises a £25m investment in the paper and commits to upholding its legacy as a progressive, defender-of-human-dignity journalistic outlet. However, the announcement has coincided with strikes by journalists concerned about future working conditions.

The Observer, the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper and a bastion of liberal values, has been sold to Tortoise Media. The deal, announced on December 6, 2024, comes amid a 48‐hour strike by journalists protesting the timing of the sale. While new ownership has pledged to safeguard editorial independence and maintain the paper’s progressive voice, labor representatives have criticized the decision as disregarding staff concerns.

Guardian staff threatened further strikes and called for the bidding process to be opened up for The Observer amid exclusive negotiations with Tortoise Media. The protest reflects discontent with management's approach and underscores a demand for greater worker rights and democratic practices in decision-making.