BBC to give Ukip three party broadcasts, but none to Greens

Both parties have only one MP in the House of Commons

Nigel Farage makes his keynote speech at the Ukip party conference in Doncaster (PA)

Ukip has been awarded three party political broadcasts a year outside of the election after the introduction of a new rule by the BBC’s governing body.

Both parties have one MP in the House of Commons, but the Greens have not been awarded the same broadcasting time.

The BBC has two main criteria in order to be eligible for party political broadcasts (PPB), which are representation in the House of Commons and electoral support in elections.

The corporation said it had taken into account the large amount of support Ukip had in the country, noting that in the run-up to the referendum on EU membership, a Eurocentric part should get more time on British television, The Guardian reported.

The BBC Trust changed its rules last week, which stated a party had to have at least two MPs. It has now been changed so parties with just one MP can be considered for PPB's slots on BBC1 and BBC2.

The BBC’s executive published a list of political parties it determined eligible for broadcasts in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems qualify to broadcasts in England, Wales and Scotland. While Ukip qualifies for broadcasts in England and Wales.

Parties can appeal to the BBC Trust, who has the final say in the allocations.