Tim Yeo has branded the government's Office of Communications Bill "a timid little mouse which fails to address any of the key issues".

The legislation, which received its second reading in the Commons on Monday, was attacked by the Conservatives who regard the bill as failing to address a changing media environment following new developments in digital communications technology and networks.

Shadow culture secretary Tim Yeo told MPs: "The government should be giving an urgent lead on digital switch over and relaxation of ownership rules, for the benefit of the consumer and producers alike. This bill does neither.

The Tories demanded that the government remedy the exclusion of the BBC from Ofcom's remit, "an irrational decision which can not stand the test of time".

"I am calling on ministers to amend this omission during the passage of the bill. I also invite them to support my bill which will remove the current special ownership rules that uniquely restrict the media industry from responding to market conditions instead of allowing normal competition laws to operate," Yeo told the Commons.