TV SNUB OUTRAGE

SNP claim it is a 'democratic outrage' to exclude them from the first election debate | Nats argue they should be invited as they are the third largest party at Westminster

-  CHRIS MCCALL

THE SNP has been snubbed by broadcasters after it was announced the first UK TV debate of the general election campaign will include only Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer.

A party insider last night branded the decision a "democratic outrage" after it was confirmed the Prime Minister and Labour leader would face off on ITV on June 4.

It will be the first of two planned primetime debates between the pair, with the second due to take place on Sky News later next month.

But there will be no place for John Swinney, despite his party winning the third most MPs at the last general election in 2019.

The First Minister hit out at the decision, saying "I think it's | ridiculous that the third party in UK politics has been excluded from the debates that are being taken forward.

"We're making strenuous representations to the broadcasters about that point and we'll continue to do so."

An SNP insider said: "Voters in Scotland deserve to hear from the SNP-the third party in the UK, the party of government in Scotland and the only major party campaigning against Westminster austerity cuts and Brexit, and to give people in Scotland a choice over their future.