MSP pleased at BBC daily briefings decision

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has welcomed the BBC’s change of heart regarding broadcasting the First Minister’s daily Covid-19 briefings. Ms Haughey wrote to the broadcaster last week, calling the original move “incredibly short-sighted”.

The BBC announced earlier this month that it was no longer going to televise the press conferences and, instead, show them online and only occasionally on television.

The decision – which comes as coronavirus cases in South Lanarkshire and across Scotland are rising – proved extremely controversial, with fears that elderly people and those who struggle with internet access could miss out on getting vital information.

The broadcaster then announced they were going to continue showing the briefings as normal.

Ms Haughey had written to the BBC Scotland Director, Steve Carson, calling for the continued coverage of the briefings.

She stated: “Unfortunately, we are seeing cases of coronavirus beginning to increase again, therefore the BBC’s move to limit broadcasting the briefings is incredibly short-sighted. The Scottish Government’s press conferences are just as important now than they ever have been.

“Whilst they may be streamed online, this is not helpful for the many people who don’t use the internet.”

Ms Haughey has now welcomed the reversal of the decision.

She stated: “I am very pleased to hear that the BBC has rowed back on the move, and have committed to continue showing the briefings over the coming weeks.”