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Spot the difference: BBC’s varying approaches to IndyRef2

Although Nick Robinson claims the BBC no longer has a duty to be balanced over Brexit now the referendum has been won, what about Scottish independence? With ‘IndyRef2’ on the horizon indefinitely, Mr S was curious to note the approach Andrew Marr took to interviewing the SNP’s Alex Salmond compared with unionist Ruth Davidson.

When Davidson — the leader of the Scottish Conservatives — appeared on the Andrew Marr show last month, the BBC presenter gave her a grilling on her objections to the SNP’s call for ‘IndyRef2’. As Davidson tried to argue that there was no appetite for a second referendum in Scotland, Marr interrupted her at several points:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZElNjDldh4

Among his questions:

  1. Let me put it to you that the SNP is nonetheless the government of Scotland and they were elected on a manifesto which said with crystal clarity that if Scotland was taken out of the EU against her wishes that would be the material change which would signal another referendum, and therefore whatever you think of Nicola Sturgeon she is, unlike some other parties we could mention, sticking by her manifesto commitment.
Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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