[0762]

Yep! Kate Forbes' comments were said as a democrat who would legislate on issues like GRR if that was the settled will of the Scottish Parliament. I notice a lot of her full response not being mentioned by conniving political reporters with another anti agenda! That type of response/attitude is far more progressive than the opposition parties that refuse to accept Holyrood decisions on gender reform or holding a referendum on independence. As previously mentioned, I don't recall other party leaders being interrogated on their religious beliefs and this should not be allowed to dominate the SNP leadership contest. There were several live tv debates last summer on the Tory leadership contest and the BBC and other broadcasters should have a duty to provide similar coverage of this SNP contest for many non-SNP members to hear a proper debate on the major issues facing Scotland. The format must allow candidates the time and space to put forward their visions for Scotland and confirm the SNP record in govt. We need to hear the benefits of independence and how our energy-rich nation can emulate our nearest much wealthier neighbours, particularly as we are stuck in a UK facing years of stagnant growth where none of the Westminster parties are honest enough to admit Brexit has been a disaster, with no plans for a return to freedom of movement or the single market. However, the cynic in me tells me that ITV/STV, and more esp the BBC, have shown nothing but contempt for the SNP and yes campaign, in general, over the years. So they should absolutely NOT be given the free airtime programme to insult the cause and manipulate a serious process of debate into farce, which they will do - I think nobody believes they will use impartial interviewers and studio audiences. Therefore, there must be an alternative provision for SNP members (and others), something like a TNT internet broadcast or similar. Again it shows me, and others, what we are up against when we are swamped with such an undemocratic representation of Union biased media reps up here that was fairly self-evident at the recent hastily convened formal resignation announcement from the FM at Bute House - an eyeopener!! I reckon Steph Brawn was the only indy-supporting reporter in that press-media audience - that is not a proper democratic position where almost all of them are skewed to one side of the political divide and are owned and/or controlled from outside Scotland.