SNP demand inclusion in national TV debates

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has become engulfed in a war of words after proposing that their leader, Alex Salmond, should be included in the line-up for a national television debate in the run-up to next year's British general election.

Following confirmation that Gordon Brown has agreed in principle to the proposed debates, the SNP cite a need for television coverage to “reflect the democratic and political reality of Scotland and the UK” which they argue is one of the “clear public service obligations” of broadcasters to ensure fairness and impartiality in election-related coverage.

SNP election campaign co-ordinator Stewart Hosie MP said: "The SNP is prepared to be extremely flexible and we hope to work with broadcasters to ensure that an agreement can be reached. It is however undisputable that broadcasters have a duty to be impartial and a debate broadcast in Scotland ahead of the general election must include the SNP."

He continued: "With the SNP holding more seats in Westminster, in government at Holyrood, winning the vote at the recent European election and presently leading the polls in what will be a two horse race between the SNP and Labour, it would be entirely unfair for Scots voters to face an election debate that did not feature the SNP."

However, opposition parties have branded the move "sinister" and "bullying", with former Scotland Office minister and Labour MP David Cairns accusing Salmond of being “increasingly ridiculous”.

Mr Cairns said: “He is desperate to appear in a Westminster TV debate when he isn't even a candidate for Westminster.”

He continued: "In the last two weeks, Alex Salmond has run away from two debates. This is the man who famously refused to debate with me on Newsnight, even though we were sat next to each other in the same studio at the same time. This latest bluster simply exposes his ego, a real personal weakness.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott joined the criticism of the SNP, saying: “The SNP are quite entitled and should be part of debates in Scotland, but they should not be allowed to get away with bullying broadcasters. They do not represent opinion outside Scotland and have no role to play in these televised debates that take place across the United Kingdom.”

Conservative leader David Cameron said: "Alex Salmond is not standing for Westminster. Alex Salmond is not standing to be UK Prime Minister. This is a British general election. The choice is between Gordon Brown and a modern Conservative Government led by me.”

He continued: "Alex Salmond should get on with being First Minister and if he wants a debate he can have it any time with  Annabel Goldie [Scottish Conservative leader] and the other political leaders in Scotland."