United Kingdom

[GB] Nationalist Party Issues Manifesto Pledge

IRIS 1999-5:1/21

David Goldberg

deeJgee Research/Consultancy

On the eve of the historic election in Scotland (May 6) for the devolved Scottish Parliament, the Scottish National Party has included an item on broadcasting in their election manifesto: "The current government refuses to allow Scots control over broadcasting. The SNP will continue to campaign for the devolution of broadcasting legislation but in the meantime will establish a Broadcasting Committee of the Parliament to support Scottish broadcasters, monitor and analyse broadcasting output and examine broadcasting in Scotland and those responsible for it furth (outside) of Scotland." The manifesto goes further, in contemplating full Scottish independence. In that event, the manifesto promises "...autonomous broadcasting institutions, giving and reflecting the best of Scotland: with national arts structures such as a Scottish Academy and a tax system that can encourage film production and other artistic endeavour."