Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen has said the 'public should not be forced' to purchase a TV licence and a full investigation should be launched into the BBC following the recent Huw Edwards controversy.

The BBC presenter was named last Thursday (July 13) by his wife Vicky Flind as the person who allegedly paid a teenager more than £35,000 for sexually explicit pictures.

In response to the controversy, Mr Bridgen raised a question in the House of Commons calling for a full investigation of the public broadcaster and for a debate to take place about its culture.

The North West Leicestershire MP has also called for review of the TV licence scheme.

Speaking in the house last week, Mr Bridgen said: "Once again the BBC finds itself mired in scandal, sleaze and cover-up.

"So can we have a debate on the BBC, where we can debate whether its culture has really changed, as we were promised some years ago?

"We could also debate whether the public should still be forced to buy a television licence to view live television, even if they do not wish to watch the BBC's output, and whether the BBC is fit to be the nation's self-appointed arbiter of truth and transparency through its Verify unit."

People need a TV licence in the UK if they watch or record live TV on any channel or use BBC iPlayer.

It currently costs £159 a year but some people are able to get a free or discounted licence if over the age of 75 and get pension credit.

A fine of up to £1,000 can be issued to people if they watch or record live TV without a licence.

In response to the Reclaim MP's question, the leader of the house of commons Penny Mordaunt highlighted he was sat next to the chairman of the backbench business committee Ian Mearns, who 'will have heard his request for a debate'.

She added: "I would commend to all colleagues the House of Commons library as a fantastic source of independent truth and fact, if anyone is interested in those things.

"There are many matters related to the BBC that are of concern to members across the house.

"We frequently have questions raised about the BBC, whether it is local radio, the BBC Singers or standards and ethics and professional competence. I am sure it would be a well-attended debate."

Mr Bridgen has received some words of support for his calls.

Speaking on Twitter, one of his supporters said: "You are awesome Andrew, after the findings with the BBC, these licenses should be scrapped, it is not a resource for truth and transparency, anyone can see that now."

But others did not share this sentiment, one person said: "I disagree. The BBC provides excellent value, not only with its comprehensive news coverage but with its world beating drama and popular entertainment shows.

"For me, Doctor Who alone is worth the licence fee."