BBC Scotland are co-hosts of News Xchange 2018, a news and media conference to be hosted in Edinburgh in November of this year.

Speaking at this event is Steve Bannon, a leading figure in the alt-right and former executive chairman of the notorious Breitbart News.

Bannon is widely credited with playing a substantial role in creating the divisive political climate which brought Donald Trump to power, and the resurgence of right wing extremism in America. He is a vocal supporter of authoritarian, right wing groups around the world.

Steve Bannon is scheduled to be interviewed on stage by BBC reporter Sarah Smith, and the BBC have described him as a "powerful and influential figure...promoting an anti-elite movement". 

By supporting his inclusion in this event the BBC are giving tacit approval to Steve Bannon, and legitimising an advocate of racist and fascistic views.

The First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has withdrawn from the event stating that she will not be part of any process that risks legitimising or normalising far right, racist views.

We urge BBC Scotland to cut all ties with the News Xchange 2018 event.

The BBC have made a statement on the justification for the inclusion of Steve Bannon which can be found here.