QUESTION Time will be broadcast from Edinburgh tonight in another virtual edition of the long-running programme.
It comes a week after new coronavirus restrictions came into force across Scotland – this is likely to be a key focus of discussion.
But the broadcast comes at an interesting time for independence supporters, with a new Ipsos MORI poll putting support for Yes at 58% yesterday – the topic is almost certain to come up during the debate.
Fiona Bruce will host the programme and take questions from a remote audience, all of whom are based in Scotland’s capital city.
Here’s who’s on the show.
Douglas Ross
The leader of the Scottish Tories will appear after another disappointing set of polling results for his party. Ipsos MORI put the party on 19% for the Holyrood election, down a percentage point since Jackson Carlaw’s leadership. Ross will have been hoping to see a bit of a boost since taking over, but this has not happened.
Kate Forbes
Scotland’s Finance Secretary will appear on the programme representing the SNP. She is likely to focus on pushing the UK Government for further borrowing powers for the country and their plan to terminate the furlough scheme at the end of the month.
On the Question Time panel tomorrow, @Douglas4Moray, @KateForbesMSP, @SeemaMalhotra1, @MiriamBrett, Ian Wood and Mark Walport.
— BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) October 14, 2020
Join us at 10:45pm on @BBCOne with a virtual audience from Edinburgh. #bbcqt pic.twitter.com/QwxGxzKaj2
Miriam Brett
Economic adviser Miriam Brett will appear on the panel, and is likely to be critical of the Tory Government’s plan to axe the furlough scheme. The director of research and advocacy at Common Wealth will probably focus on economic matters during the debate. The adviser previously ran as an SNP candidate for Orkney and Shetland in 2017 and regularly contributes to The National.
Ian Wood
Businessman Ian Wood is a Scottish businessman and philanthropist worth an estimated £1.7 billion according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2020. The North Sea oil tycoon has spoken out against Scottish independence previously, objecting to a new referendum on the matter.
Mark Walport
Mark Walport was the UK Government’s chief scientific adviser from 2013 to 2017 – he is likely to focus on issues relating to the coronavirus pandemic.
Seema Malhotra
Seema Malhotra is a Labour MP for Feltham and Heston. She has been critical of Scottish independence, claiming holding a new vote would make “no sense”.
Question Time airs at 10.45pm on BBC One tonight.
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