Bercow pulls out of Salmond ‘Kremlin’ show

TOM GORDON

The channel is forced to register in the US as an arm of the Russian Government, and is widely seen as a mouthpiece of president Vladimir Putin.

It is due to broadcast the first halfhour episode of the Alex Salmond Show tomorrow.

The SNP yesterday confirmed Nicola Sturgeon and all her ministers would also snub the show, while Downing Street urged Mr Salmond to “reconsider”.

Mr Salmond last night defended his new venture, which he is making with former SNP MP Tasmina AhmedSheikh, in an interview on Channel 4 News.

He denied it would be “Russian propaganda” and said RT was licensed to broadcast in the UK. He also revealed the Russians had paid the highest price.

He said: “I offered the show to a range of broadcasting companies and

RT UK put in the best offer. It’s edited and produced by me. Anything in that programme will be mine and mine alone.”

Asked if there was Russian meddling in foreign media, he replied: “I have no information.”

Mr Bercow’s office said: “The Speaker had previously agreed to take part in the show, but pulled out when it became clear it was to be broadcast by RT.”

A Number 10 source said: “This association with a country that seeks to undermine the international order will worry members of the public.”