Question Time bias row erupts as BBC units document straight on Farage’s ‘absence’ | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV | EUROtoday

A row has erupted on-line after the BBC was compelled to defend Reform UK chief Nigel Farage for not showing on Question Time final evening (March 26), regardless of it being broadcast from Clacton. Former star of The Apprentice Thomas Skinner was on the panel alongside Labour’s Jake Richards, Tory MP Tom Tugendhat and Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran for the instalment.

Speculation was mounting on-line that Skinner had changed Farage on the panel, and he was being closely criticised on social media for not collaborating within the dialogue, which was held in his personal constituency. In response to the claims, the BBC has taken the uncommon resolution to difficulty an announcement on the Reform Leader’s “absence” from the political programme, which was hosted by Fiona Bruce.

Before the programme aired, Farage penned on X: “I wasn’t able to take part in #BBCQT from Clacton tonight, as we were told MPs are not allowed to appear on the show in their own constituencies. I’m sure I’ll be back on before too long!”

His assertion was questioned, with Labour peer George Foulkes calling it “another lie” whereas Dover MP and Labour minister Mike Tapp replied: “I seem to remember being on Question Time, a few months ago, in Dover … my constituency. You were too scared to even put a Reform MP up for tonight, it seems. Weak.”

Express.co.uk contacted the BBC, which launched its personal assertion on X defending Farage. The submit stated: “There is a longstanding policy on Question Time not to invite MPs on in their local constituencies unless it’s for a single-issue special programme. This is why Mike Tapp MP appeared on the panel in his constituency for the immigration special in Dover.”

The assertion was questioned by customers who talked about how former Clacton MP Giles Watling appeared on Question Time beforehand, when it was broadcast from Clacton in 2018, whereas he was the MP. However, Watling was a last-minute alternative for Liz Truss, who was caught on a practice on the time.

Following the BBC’s response, LibDem councillor Callum Robertson stated he had submitted a Freedom of Information Request to “find out the specific” Question Time coverage.

Other viewers accused the present of being biased, with one particular person sharing: “Not only do you invite Farage on regularly, you even make a special defence when he doesn’t want to come. Total bias.”

Another added: “What the f*** are BBC Question time thinking? They must be losing viewers by the thousands! Their bias is so embarrassing and completely unacceptable.”

Despite the backlash, another person stated: “People complain about bias on BBC Question Time, yet continue to watch it every week. Broadcasters don’t respond to outrage, they respond to data.”

Another added: “Unpopular thought – why do people keep watching Question Time, but then moan about its bias? I have not watched it for years. If more people stopped, it would send a clear message to programme makers and the host.”

Question Time episodes may be streamed on BBC iPlayer.