Brexit debate ‘should include Nicola Sturgeon’

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 from the programme.

Ms Sturgeon has already suggested it would be it would be an “absolute travesty of democracy” if the debate takes place without including someone to make the case for remaining in the European 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 deputy leader said the party was told it could not be given the details for the programme. A spokeswoman for the BBC said it would answer the letter in due course.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has criticised the BBC for considering a debate on Brexit without a pro-Remain voice