Paramount’s proposed $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery faces at least several weeks of uncertainty in the UK after Parliament began its summer recess without a decision from Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. The delay matters because Nandy has indicated she may intervene on media-plurality grounds, potentially prompting formal reviews that could outlast the deal’s planned 30 September closing date.

A public-interest intervention notice would trigger investigations by Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority, while Nandy is also considering legislation to let Ofcom assess effects on streaming services. Parliament is not due back until 1 September, although the CMA plans an update on 7 August; Paramount could technically complete the transaction without UK clearance, but would owe WBD shareholders about $650 million for each quarter beyond Q3 that the deal remains unfinished.