Martin Lewis strongly criticises BBC Question Time for Fiona Bruce’s response to an inquiry: ‘Are we stuck in a different era?’
The host of Question Time was posed a query concerning the Home Secretary, James Cleverly.
Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis has expressed strong discontent towards the BBC’s Question Time after the recent episode of the debate show. Lewis’s frustration stemmed from Fiona Bruce addressing a question raised by a Stevenage audience member regarding James Cleverly’s comments about Labour MP Alex Cunningham.
Cleverly faced accusations of labeling Cunningham’s Stockton constituency in a derogatory manner, although he later denied this, clarifying that his comments were directed at the MP himself, for which he subsequently apologized.
Towards the end of Thursday’s episode, an audience member raised another issue, querying the appropriateness of the Home Secretary’s disparaging remarks about an opposition member in the context of discussing standards in public services.
Bruce hesitated before addressing the matter, contemplating whether she could articulate the specific word on television. She sought guidance from those providing feedback through her earpiece, unsure if it was permissible to utter the word aloud.
The show’s producers informed Bruce that she couldn’t echo Cleverly’s choice of language, stating, ‘No, I cannot!’
‘They’re indicating I can’t use that word. He (allegedly) used a rather impolite term to describe that place, starting with an S.
He denies using that term, mentioning it was directed at the MP, and he’s apologised for it.’
With time dwindling on the show, Bruce concluded, ‘Yes, that’s an entirely different matter, but let’s – I can’t even articulate the word. I’ll just leave it there… and our time is up!’
Observing Bruce being restrained from saying ‘s**t’, Lewis vented on X, formerly Twitter, criticising the BBC.
‘Why would BBC producers prohibit Fiona Bruce from saying ‘s**t’ on #bbcqt well after the watershed when it’s crucial to explain one of today’s news stories?’ he ranted. ‘What decade is this?’
The financial expert wasn’t the only one criticising; another X user expressed similar frustration: ‘Dear BBC, please stop being excessively prudish about saying ‘s**t’.
‘We’re not all seven. We no longer anticipate the Famous Five to follow the news. It wasn’t even mentioned on #bbcqt last night, show some backbone!! #r4today.
Another individual questioned, “Why is Fiona Bruce restricted from using strong language at 11.30 pm on #bbcqt?”
A third viewer expressed, “Has the level of sensitivity and reluctance become so heightened that even the word ‘s**t’ can’t be said on BBC 1 nearly at midnight? #BBCQT.”
Meanwhile, another contributor offered a poetic take: “Why prevent Fiona from swearing? Far worse is spoken thoughtlessly. When I’m invited, I’ll rhyme and swear freely throughout. #bbcqt.” (sic)
News Prime has reached out to the BBC for their response.
