by Conrad Landin
in Glasgow

BBC BOSSES are under renewed pressure to feature the Morning Star in broadcasts, after transport union TSSA resolved to complain about the “long-standing ban” on the paper.

A motion overwhelmingly passed at the union’s annual conference said it was “in the interest of democracy and knowledge” that the paper be included alongside other daily titles in newspaper reviews.

Anglia South General delegate Malcolm Wallace said: “Whatever the reality about its apparent impartiality, people had more trust in the BBC than any other established media. Not any more.

“The Morning Star is not afraid of being challenged and regularly features letters and articles opposed to its editorial position, including one on Brexit by our own general secretary.”

Euston delegate Sarah-Jane McDonagh said: “While the BBC continues to push the narrative determined by those billionaires, the working-class voice will continue to be silenced.”

TSSA treasurer Jason Turvey said: “The Morning Star stands alone in this country as the only newspaper to be unashamedly of the left.”

Star editor Ben Chacko commented: “The Morning Star is the only national daily paper that’s owned by its readers and the only one that provides a voice for the labour movement, with 10 national trade unions having maximum shareholdings and a seat on the management committee, including of course the TSSA.

“I’m grateful to TSSA for raising the important question of the BBC’s refusal to feature our paper in their reviews of the press and look forward to working with the union and [its general secretary] Manuel Cortes to press the broadcaster to change its ways.”