SNP omission from Ofcom consultation 'undemocratic'

The SNP has said broadcast regulator Ofcom's failure even to consult on the SNP as a major party in the UK in their consultation ahead of the General Election represents a failure to keep abreast of developments since the referendum. Ofcom's review of major parties – which includes Ukip and the Greens – will determine their regulation of election coverage, including the allocation of at least two Party Election Broadcasts to each major party. The Scottish National Party is currently the UK’s third largest political party with over 93,000 members, and the only political party in the UK to hold a majority government.

Commenting, SNP Westminster Leader and Campaign Director for the General Election, Angus Robertson MP, said: "Ofcom's decision to include UKIP over the SNP is simply wrong, and represents a failure to keep abreast of developments since the referendum. The recognition of the SNP as a party of majority government and the UK’s third largest political party is key in ensuring fair coverage for the general election – and our exclusion should be unacceptable to any democrat, as it simply wouldn’t reflect the reality of politics across the UK today."

"Current Westminster voting intentions put the SNP in the lead in Scotland, and it is clearly wrong that the third biggest political party in the UK should be denied fair representation." Mr Robertson added.