Dumfriesshire and Tweeddale MP has welcomed an announcement by ITV Border that they will be covering the Scottish independence referendum over the coming 16 months with extensive programming. Mr Mundell feels their new proposal will enhance the local debate, giving people an appropriate level of national coverage whilst retaining the dedicated local coverage form ITV Borders that viewers across the region know and value.
The local MP said: “Next year’s independence referendum is an important date which will affect every single one of us so it is vital that all of us have all the facts before going to the polls. This is something which could have long lasting effects on Scotland, ourselves, our children and their children.
“It is most important that people locally get all the facts which is why I welcome ITV Border’s announcement that they will be enhancing the local debate. As I have said in my response to the recent consultation on the future of current affairs coverage in the region, I believe there is a strong case to be made that the coverage of that particular debate should be distinct and focus on how any constitutional changes would affect people locally. This perspective is arguably very different from those who live further north and I am particularly pleased there will be specialist and dedicated local coverage as part of the package.
Mr Mundell added: “This region has and has always had strong cross border links, with a vast number of people using cross border services. Economically, there is a lot of trade between business and cross border employment features strongly, alongside the self-evident links of family and friendship.”