SNP hustings should be open to press, says NUJ
Banning the media from political hustings cannot be condoned in a democratic society, the National Union of Journalists said, following a decision by the SNP’s national executive committee, to refuse media access to the party’s leadership hustings.
John Toner, NUJ national organiser for Scotland said:
“While it is the case that only party members have a vote in this election, there is no doubt about the importance of this election for every citizen of Scotland. Whoever is elected by the party will become the country’s First Minister.
“Allowing media access would enable the public to witness party members scrutinising the candidates. This could be a lesson in democracy for the entire country and there is no reason that such an opportunity should be wasted.
“There is still time to change this shocking decision, and we urge the party NEC to reverse its position and allow journalists to represent the wider public at the hustings.”