THE Archbishop of York has raised concerns over plans to cut the BBC World Service.

Dr John Sentamu voiced his concerns in a question to government ministers in the House of Lords.

The Archbishop, who is a long- term supporter and advocate of the importance of the BBC World Service, tabled a question for a written answer in the House of Lords after meeting with representatives from the National Union of Journalists this week to receive their analysis of the proposed cuts.

The proposed cuts to the World Service include losing a quarter of all staff, the closure of five foreign language services, and a 16 per cent reduction in the Government grant over the next five years.