A CAMPAIGN group will host a static, socially distanced rally outside the BBC Scotland HQ after the broadcaster said it would no longer air all of the First Minister’s virus briefings on TV.
From Tuesday BBC One Scotland will air Bargain Hunt while BBC Scotland will show nothing at all.
The broadcaster will decide to provide live TV coverage based on the briefings’ “editorial merit”, but will show the updates online.
Health and care bodies have hit out at the decision, warning they are concerned the decision will mostly impact older and more vulnerable Scots.
READ MORE: Coronavirus in Scotland: Another 221 people test positive
With coronavirus cases rising across the UK, Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday that the Scottish Government’s ability to directly communicate with the public is “more important than ever”.
BBC Scotland’s head of public policy, Ian Small, told The Nine: “We will continue to cover the briefing when there is evidence of clear messaging that requires to be given across.
“But I would emphasise that we are not stopping doing briefings. To suggest that is simply untrue. We’re simply finding ways which can better impart that information.”
Nearly 40,000 people have now signed the change.org petition urging the BBC to reverse the decision.
Now All Under One Banner, a pro-independence group which has been hosting socially-distanced rallies during the coronavirus pandemic, says it will take the issue to the corporation’s HQ.
The campaigners had a demonstration planned for George Square on Thursday – but have now changed the location of the event.
On Twitter the group announced the static rally will take place at Pacific Quay from 5.30-6.30pm.
They explained: “If you have already registered we will soon email you, and for those who haven't we will soon reopen the registration process.”
AUOB has held rallies despite the First Minister’s warnings against them during the pandemic.
During previous events, AUOB called on supporters not to travel too far to join protests and instead take action locally. AUOB has also drawn markings on the ground to indicate correct social distancing rules.
The Scottish Government announced this week that from Monday indoor and outdoor gatherings should include no more than six people.
The change comes after increasing coronavirus cases across the UK.
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