SNP to meet BBC over leaders' debate row

Published on Sunday 27 December 2009 22:02

SNP chiefs are to hold talks with the BBC in a bid to defuse the row over a televised leaders debate in the build-up to next year's general election.

First Minister Alex Salmond said yesterday he does not want to stop such a programme taking place. But the SNP must be involved in any debate shown north of the Border, he insists, and going to court remains a possibility.

Mr Salmond added: "No sensible person wants to take legal action. It is far better to come to an agreement. That is why we will accept the belated BBC offer of talks and will continue talking to Sky.

"We are not interested in stopping the debate. We are insisting on the right to participate in the debates. The BBC must think again and agree to include the SNP in the leaders' debates. It is the only fair outcome and the only one that should be acceptable to Scotland."

The BBC, ITV and Sky announced last week they had agreed terms with the three main UK parties – Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats – for a series of live "prime ministerial" debates with their leaders during the election campaign.

But the absence of any place for the SNP was immediately branded unacceptable by the party which says it must be involved in any debate in Scotland where it is the party of government.

The BBC said it would be holding separate debates in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland among all the main parties, which would be broadcast on BBC Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and across the UK on the BBC News Channel.