Viewers have slammed the BBC Election debate as ‘unwatchable’ as chants from protestors muffle Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer.
Mishal Husain, who is chairing the debate, acknowledged the noise and said: ‘There is a protest taking place outside which is also an aspect of our democracy and people exercising their freedom of speech.’
One viewer tweeted: ‘Just about sums up this election… terrible acoustics and shouty protestors making it unwatchable.’
Another viewer added: ‘The hecklers in the leaders debate need to be booted out. It’s so selfish to think your screaming is more important than hearing from the next Prime Minister.’
Another asked: ‘What the hell is the racket in the background?’
Activist Animah Kosai posted a picture from outside Nottingham Trent University – where the final election debate is taking place.
She said: ‘We are LOUD but is clearly editing the audio so the tv audience can’t hear us. #FreePalestine’.
The demonstrators are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Their chants of ‘Free Free Palestine’ can be heard on the televised debate on BBC One.
One protestor seems to be using a megaphone to get the political message across.
Due to the protest, Rishi Sunak was forced to ask for a woman’s name after she asked a question about benefit sanctions.
He said: ‘Sorry. What was it? I couldn’t quite hear. Beverley?’
One viewer posted a picture of the awkward interaction on X, formerly Twitter.
Alongside a picture of Beverley, she said: ‘I want to hear this woman speak but I can’t because the BBC have let a mob hijack a democratic event.’
Another man watching the debate explained: ‘Awful acoustics on the BBC debate. What a completely unsuitable venue – a glass ceiling atrium that hasn’t been designed for such spoken word events.’
The party leaders are taking part in a debate on BBC One as part of the general election campaign.
BBC Verify is ‘fact-checking and assessing’ claims as the heated discussion takes place.
The pair have already spoken about border restrictions, taxes and benefits.
But viewers have pointed out that the Conservative leader has been ‘interrupting and talking over’ Starmer as well as BBC journalist Mishal Husain.
Notably, Starmer said: ‘I think the Prime Minister has put a bet on how many times he’s going to interrupt me.’
This is a breaking news story.