This means that as long as there are significant numbers of listeners on FM in the United Kingdom no government is likely to take the politically unpopular decision to turn off analogue. Support for the FM switch off in the UK is limited. In July 2020, provided the stations also broadcast on digital radio, UK government has decided to allow Ofcom to renew analogue FM and AM licences for a further ten-year period.
The UK government's reluctance to abandon analogue FM stems from public resistance, as long as there are substantial listeners on FM, no decision will be made to terminate analogue broadcasts. In July 2020, provided digital radio broadcasts are also available, the government has decided to permit Ofcom to renew analogue FM and AM licences for an additional ten-year period.