While mergers and acquisitions are quite commonplace in the world of corporate restructuring, few deals have shaken an entire industry like the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. The deal has been attracting constant criticism and opposition from several concerned authorities, who fear that too much power will be consolidated in a single place if this merger goes through. While the US has seen widespread pushback from as many as 12 state governments, some voices from within the industry have now urged the UK government to join the fray.

British stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Alan Cumming, and Benedict Wong have taken the initiative to invite the UK government to take action against the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.

In an op-ed published in The Guardian, actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Alan Cumming, and Benedict Wong urged the United Kingdom to prevent the Paramount–Warner Bros. merger, claiming that it would seriously hurt the British people. Concerns about independent film financing, news publishing consolidation, and the livelihoods of British film and television workers are only a few of the many issues raised by the actors.

“As actors and public figures who have spent our careers in the arts in Britain — working with British crews, on British stages and sets — we have a responsibility to the public who support, enjoy and consume the art we make,” wrote the British actors.

They claim in the letter to Lisa Nandy, the UK Culture Minister, that the merger will lead to layoffs, cancelled productions, fewer films commissioned, and fewer risks taken. However, they also acknowledge that Nandy has less authority over this aspect of the merger than the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which is also reviewing the deal.

The three cite in The Guardian op-ed the fact that Paramount now owns CBS and public service broadcaster Channel 5 in the United States; if WBD were to be acquired, CNN and CNN International would also fall under the same banner. The three are certain that this merger his not in the interest of the people.

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Anyhow, it all now depends on the minister to heed this warning and take definitive action against the merger in the UK, at least. But the main question is: will she?

Despite the fact that Parliament is now on break until September 1, Culture Minister Lisa Nandy has already stated that she is willing to get involved in the matter. The minister, who survived a cabinet reshuffle by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, is currently dealing with a number of high-profile media issues. These include the BBC's royal charter renewal and Comcast-owned Sky's equally, if not more, significant acquisition of ITV.

The Paramount-Warner Bros. merger was approved by the European Commission last week; however, with certain restrictions. On the other hand, it is encountering resistance from a variety of sources in the United States. Paramount decided on Friday to delay the merger until after an antitrust trial. Now, eyes are on Nandy to see whether she will answer the British stars' plea or not.

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What do you think will be the UK government’s next step? Do let us know.