Brown tells BBC debate is ‘severe dereliction’
BBC bosses have been told broadcasting a TV Brexit debate with just Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn would be a “severe dereliction” of the broadcaster’s public responsibility.
SNP depute leader Keith Brown has written to directorgeneral Lord Hall questioning the exclusion of Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon fromtheprogramme.mssturgeon has already suggested it would be an “absolute travesty of democracy” if the debate takes place without including someone to make the case for remaining in the Europe- an Union. In his letter to Lord Hall, Mr Brown said the issue was being “discussed with the First Minister’s chief of staff at present”. The SNP depute leader also said the party was told it could not be given the details for the programme - which it would be invited to take part “in some fashion” - until other potential contributors have confirmed their position.
Mr Brown said: “Such actions on the part of the BBC are clearly not in line with the obligation to act fairly and leave the corporation open to the clear impression that you are acting on behalf of the Prime Minister’s office.”