Wales Green Party welcomes the ERS Cymru’s statement saying they should be invited to debates.
In response to the ERS Cymru’s statement that all six parties should be invited to TV debates, Deputy Leader of Wales Green party, Hannah Pudner said:
“The Wales Green Party welcomes the ERS Cymru’s statement. When a political party isn’t allowed to debate in public, those who ultimately lose out are the public. Parties should be able to rise and fall on their own merits, but unless they are able to debate in public people are not as informed about them as they could be. The political landscape of Wales is changing and the media need to reflect that. We are disappointed that the BBC chose to exclude us from recent debates. The media has an important role to play in encouraging open democracy and we hope that the BBC, and other broadcasters take heed of what the ERS has said today”.
Students voice concerns over NUS Wales stifling debate
On the day the ERS Cymru stated all six parties should be invited to debates, NUS Wales confirmed that they will not be inviting the Wales Green party to their hustings at their national conference in March.
Secretary of Wales Young Greens, and Cardiff University Students, Sam Murray said:
"As a Welsh student I feel really let down by NUS Wales. Education budgets are being cut and climate change is all around us - both are hugely important issues to students. The Wales Green Party have strong support amongst the student body and NUS Wales should be representing all students. Anything less and they could be accused of favouring some parties over others. It's not right or fair. The Wales Green Party should be included".
An open letter from Sam to NUS Wales President Beth Button can be found here
The ERS Cymru statement can be found here
- The Wales Green Party was excluded from recent BBC leader debates, a public petition has now reached over 1,000 signatures.
- Hannah Pudner worked for NUS for seven years, Director for Wales between 2012-14.