The BBC has made an editorial decision to give the TUV more coverage than the Green Party NI during the 2022 Assembly election campaign.

Green Party NI Leader Clare Bailey said: “Our public service broadcaster has a duty to be impartial, especially during an election campaign.

“However, the BBC has decided to grant the smaller TUV more coverage than the Green Party NI, including giving them an extra Party Election Broadcast.

“In the most recent elections, the Green Party NI won more Assembly and local council seats than the TUV, so it makes no sense for the BBC to treat the TUV as a bigger party than the Greens.

“In no other democracy would the main opposition party be excluded from election debates and other election coverage.

“Whilst the BBC may choose to focus on division and sensationalism, in this election, the Green Party NI is offering a real alternative to the traditional parties’ politics of division.

“We have submitted formal complaints to the BBC and Ofcom, and the Green Party NI is actively considering its legal options.

“I urge members of the public to make their voices heard by signing our petition, available at www.greenpartyni.org/where_are_the_greens, and send a message to the BBC that the people of Northern Ireland are opposed to the distortion of our democracy.”