At the same time as it plans to save £670 million the BBC has defended the £1m-plus pay packet it gives its top stars. Conservative MP Damian Collins called for the BBC to justify the large amounts “when every pound they spend is being scrutinised”. A spokesman for the BBC responded: “We never discuss talent pay or talent negotiation.” The broadcaster has published an anonymous list of how many of its employees are paid more than £500,000 in a move to defuse criticism.