BBC’s Andrew Marr accused of bias in Alex Salmond debate
Veteran BBC presenter Andrew Marr has been accused of bias by supporters of Scottish independence after the TV host expressed doubt that an independent Scotland would easily be able to re-join the EU.
The spat came during a showdown with first minister Alex Salmond on the Andrew Marr Show in which Marr said: “I think it will be quite hard to get back in, I have to say,” when discussing the thorny issue.
These words were immediately pounced upon by Salmond who queried whether Marr was expressing his personal opinion or that of the BBC, prompting a heated exchange between the pair.
Despite protests on Twitter Salmond has vowed not to make a formal complaint, with his spokesperson saying: “The first minister enjoyed the Andrew Marr programme and was able to correct the comments on air, and isn't minded to complain about it."
Wading into the argument the BBC said: “Andrew himself made it clear on air that he had not been intending to express a personal opinion or that of the BBC, but was simply putting forward an argument from President Barroso who, as European commission president, has an integral insight within the debate.
"The BBC's coverage of the Scottish referendum debate has been fair and balanced and we will continue to report on the story without fear or favour."