BBC Launches New Political Site

LONDON: The BBC has unveiled Democracy Live, an online destination that will deliver live and on-demand coverage of Britain’s national political institutions and the European Parliament.

Found at bbc.co.uk/democracylive, the site will allow users to follow political debates based on the issues that concern them via guides, search facilities and navigational tools. The home page features an eight-screen video wall covering proceedings in the main chambers of the House of Commons, House of Lords, Scottish Parliament, Northern Ireland Assembly, Welsh Assembly and full sittings of the European Parliament. It will also cover Westminster Hall and Select Committees at Westminster. When there is no business in the main chambers in Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff, it will cover committee meetings. In addition to live and on-demand coverage, Democracy Live features a Historic Moments section containing video of memorable political events over the past two decades.

"Democracy Live is an important addition to the way the BBC brings politics to our audiences across the U.K., allowing people to see first hand the work of their elected representatives and ensuring we have a healthy and informed democracy," said Sue Inglish, the head of BBC political programs. "This is precisely the sort of different content the BBC should be providing in fulfilling our public-service remit and representing all of the democratic institutions in the U.K."

Also available on the site is a Comment section, bringing together all of the BBC’s main political blogs and allowing public figures to explore topical issues, beginning with commentary by House of Commons Speaker, John Bercow MP, exploring what reform is needed to rebuild the level of public trust in the House of Commons.