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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Gregor Young

'Bizarre': Anger as BBC passes over Greens despite equalling Reform in MPs

GREEN politicians have hit out at the BBC after their party was largely passed over in election coverage despite historic gains.

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK was a key point of discussion on BBC General Election coverage throughout the night, but despite winning the same number of seats the Greens hardly featured.

Carla Denyer, one of the co-leaders of the Greens in England and Wales, defeated Labour frontbencher Thangam Debbonaire in a huge win that saw her win more than 50% of the vote.

Green councillor Nate Higgins wrote on social media: “Waiting patiently for the BBC to mention Carla’s incredible win.”

Responding, Green MSP Ross Greer wrote: “Lots of great people at the BBC but their coverage tonight was bizarre.

“In this case they didn't go live to a party leader's sensational win over a shadow cabinet minister.

“Instead they stayed with the lengthy speech from Suella Braverman.”

Farage won the seat of Clacton, and his victory and following speech was broadcast on the BBC.

Denyer’s co-leader Adrian Ramsay also won his seat, overturning a Tory majority of 22,000 in Waveney Valley, a rural constituency in the east of England. Neither was shown on BBC coverage.

The Greens also won in Brighton Pavilion, which had been held by their party’s sole MP Caroline Lucas since 2010, and in North Herefordshire.

Green councillor Alex Powell wrote on social media: “So, like, are the media going to even mention North Herefordshire or Waveney Valley?

“You know, you'd think the Greens, historically viewed as very city focused, winning two rural Conservative heartlands might be something political journalists wished to discuss…”

Higgins also shared a post which stated: “Reform get four seats and the BBC talks about them for hours.

“The Greens get four seats and get about 20 minutes in total.”

Another social media user shared an image from the BBC showing five parties and their seat total, which included Reform and Farage, but excluded the Greens despite them also winning four MPs.

Higgins wrote: "Genuinely stunned how little attention the BBC has paid to Carla’s win. Literally five words. Shockingly poor judgement. This is historic."

And Powell added: "And then full coverage of both Farage and [Reform chair Richard] Tice's speech. Finding it very hard not to view it as bias."

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