Kremlin-backed TV channel announces backing as it says Salmond show will go on

RUSSIAN broadcaster RT has announced it will stick by Alex Salmond despite the claims of sexual misconduct.

The Kremlin-backed TV channel, which airs the Alex Salmond Show every Thursday morning, indicated it would not be suspending him.

A spokesman said: “This is a personal issue for Mr Salmond and all enquiries should be directed to him. The Alex Salmond Show will continue to air on RT at this time.”

Meanwhile, in an interview with the channel last night, the former first minister insisted he had no plans to step back from the limelight.

“I will be continuing to perform as long as I am wanted, which I expect will be some considerable time to come.

“I will get on with life and I won’t be dissuaded from making my opinions known just because I’m under fire in a number of ways.”

Mr Salmond’s programme on RT is produced by his own Slainte Media company, which he launched with former SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-sheikh, and features guests from the political, business and entertainment arenas.

He recently travelled to Barcelona to host a series of interviews that included Catalan President Quim Torra.

Mr Salmond has faced ongoing criticism over his involvement with RT, formerly Russia Today. It is widely believed to be a propaganda channel.

Last month, his chat show was ruled to have breached broadcasting rules by the watchdog Ofcom. The regulator investigated “audience tweets” in the former politician’s debut show, which aired last November.

It found they were presented as having come from viewers, but most were posted by people working on the programme.