The BBC should not be taking a “London centric” approach to broadcasting the First Minister’s daily conronavirus briefings a Glasgow MP has said.

The corporation said it would no longer be broadcasting every daily update from Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Government ministers and health officials but would instead be selective depending on editorial merit.

Stewart McDonald, Glasgow South SNP MP has written to the Director of BBC Scotland, Steve Carson, asking for the decision to be reconsidered.

Glasgow Times:

Mr McDonald said he had “grave concerns” about the decision.

He said the briefings were vital in providing up to date accurate information during a changing public health emergency.

He said there was no desire for the briefings to be editorialised by broadcasters.

He said: “Wasn’t the reason BBC Scotland was created was in the first place to respond and reflect the priorities of a Scottish audience.

“Does the BBC really believe that taking a London-centric approach to this matter it is best serving its public sector obligations to Scotland.”

He also said that for over 75s in particular, and who are most at risk, are more likely to use television as their source of information.

Mr McDonald said he was concerned that matters are to be decided on the basis of “editorial merit” and not on the basis of “public health”.

He said: “There is a world of difference between what makes a good news story and what is necessary for the promotion of good public health in the time of a global pandemic.”