BBC Scotland has dismissed claims that it "vetoed" Respect MP George Galloway's appearance on a TV debate - insisting it is common for panel line-ups to change.
A spokesman for Mr Galloway said he had expected to feature for the No camp in a referendum event to be broadcast from Glasgow tomorrow evening.
The Big, Big Debate event at the SSE Hydro will see thousands of 16 and 17-year-old first-time voters question key politicians and personalities from the Yes and No campaigns.
Mr Galloway's spokesman claimed the Bradford West MP's presence in the debate was subsequently "vetoed" at a senior level within the station on the grounds that it should only feature Scottish-based politicians.
Branding the alleged decision "palpable nonsense", the spokesman claimed the BBC would have allowed Prime Minister David Cameron on the show if he had been put up for the debate.
Responding to the suggestions, a BBC Scotland spokesman said: "It's not uncommon for panel line-ups to change before such topical debates take place.
"We'll be very happy to announce the panellists once they're confirmed tomorrow."
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