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The prospect of Scotland getting its own version of the BBC News at Six has triggered a new call for Wales not to be left behind.

A powerful cross-party group of MPs will today give their backing to a “Scottish Six” that would feature local, national and international news.

The report from the Culture, Media and Sport select committee calls for “a news programme anchored in Scotland, with a running order of Scottish, UK and international stories based on news merit, drawing on all the BBC’s facilities and broadcast from Scotland”.

The MPs say that today “network news programmes transmitted from London” can lead on “several purely English stories – for instance on health, justice or education – which have no bearing on Scotland”.

Plaid Cymru also wants a Welsh Newsnight

Dwyfor Meirionnydd Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts pushed for a Welsh Six, saying: “Plaid Cymru has long advocated a Six O’Clock News specifically for Wales. The media plays a crucial role in providing scrutiny of government and its actions.

“The democratic deficit currently blighting Wales means that public debate isn’t half as rigorous and robust as it could, and should be. Our democracy will only mature fully when the empowerment of our national institutions is matched by a more plural media.

“A Six O’Clock News for Wales should be just the beginning. I also fully support the campaign for a Welsh version of Newsnight, as well as other ventures to enhance the accountability and transparency of our elected representatives.”

(Image: Nick Ansell/PA Wire)

The Welsh Government says Wales is still 'under-represented in news'

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “We want to see a well funded and properly mandated BBC which reflects Wales and the important role it plays within the UK as a whole. We have been and continue to be fully involved in the Charter Review process.

“The BBC remains the most significant provider of both non-network television news and current affairs programming in Wales and has been the main driver of improvements in coverage of devolved political issues in Wales. However, Wales continues to be under-represented in news, even when stories are relevant across the UK and we would welcome any move to improve this disparity.”

MPs say: 'Show us the money'

The report also argues that people on the BBC payroll who earn more than the prime minister (£143,000) should have their salaries published.

It states: “[We] see no reason why the threshold for publication of the salaries of ‘talent’ has been set at £450,000 – higher than that for executives. In a world of agents and widespread online gossip, we do not accept that this level of confidentiality is necessary to retain talent, and we are very conscious of the fact that the BBC’s performers, like management, are ultimately remunerated by the licence fee payer.”

Welsh Conservatives: 'Wales’ voice must be heard'

Conservative AM Suzy Davies AM, said: “The BBC has spoken of its desire to be more accountable to all UK nations, and it is vital the new unitary board embraces this concept. Wales’ voice must be heard, and have influence. The formal, consultative role for devolved administrations and legislatures, as part of any future Charter review, is also an important concept.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “We welcome the committee’s recognition of the quality of BBC output and the importance of the BBC remaining free from undue political interference.”