BBC, by Jingo

IT IS a positive that the independence debate seems to be moving on from the merely economic (with so many armchair experts on the subject out there, how come the unpredicted recession?). Michael Fry’s excellent piece this week (Perspective, 5 June) underlines why many Scots are glad to make clear they are not English. What we have yet to hear from Unionists is an emotional eulogy in praise of cultural dominance by England, going beyond “something worse” negativity.

One thing that will be little affected by Scottish independence is, of course, the BBC. While Scots may pay the same licence fee, the state broadcaster might as well be titled the English Broadcasting Corporation, since it is the norm for supposedly serious programmes about “British” art, history, science or music to be confined to England. (Right on cue, the current series on “Great British” history is shaping up as a history of England, with a few references to the other bits when they affect England.) For the English are great jingoists. No harm in that, except that we have to endure Scottish achievement being ignored. Rather like living with a plain person convinced he is handsome and monopolising the mirror. Indeed, I would argue that the English no longer bothering to curb their own narrow nationalism has been a prime factor in rising Scottish discontent. And jingoism in sport is becoming intolerable. Meek acceptance of this by Scots may attract various adjectives, but scarcely “patriotic”.

All the Union ever offered was the status of honorary Englishmen, not “a partnership of equals”. Better the dignity of independence than being a constant tinny voice in the background complaining about the irritations that flow inevitably and persistently from our subservient position.

Alan Oliver

Battock Road

Brightons

Stirlingshire

FURTHER to similar allegations made against BBC Scotland that Nicola Sturgeon unfairly faced a majority pro-Union audience during the recently aired Independence debate, the SNP has again accused the BBC of bias in fielding a Question Time panel in Inverness composed of four “Unionists” and only two pro-independence speakers.

This ignores the fact that Question Time is broadcast throughout the UK and, therefore, much broader considerations than simply a panellist’s view on Scottish independence should be used in ensuring balance.

Far from trying to rectify unfair bias and create a level playing-field the SNP is asking for special treatment. The BBC is only to be commended for not playing its games.

Peter Muirhead

Duncrag

Kilmacolm