Regulator refuses to overrule Green party exclusion

THE UK’s broadcasting regulator has refused to overrule a decision by STV to exclude the Scottish Greens from a televised debate between the party leaders in Scotland.

Picture: TSPL

The SNP, Labour, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have all been included in the TV debate in the run-up to May’s General Election.

However, communications regulator Ofcom, today issued a statement that said the leadership of the Scottish Greens should not be included in the debate on Tuesday 7 April.

The regulator said: “In its consultation, Ofcom considered whether the existing ‘major parties’ should remain on the list and whether the Green Party (including the Scottish Green Party), Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) and UKIP should be added to the list of parties entitled to a minimum allocation of two party election broadcasts.

“After carefully assessing consultation responses, evidence of electoral performance and trends in opinion polling data up to and including February 2015, Ofcom has added UKIP to the list in England and Wales for the May 2015 elections.

“Based on the evidence, the Green Party (including the Scottish Green Party) and TUV have not been added to the list on this occasion.”