This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-47827216
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Question Time accused of bias over location move from Bolton | Question Time accused of bias over location move from Bolton |
(about 4 hours later) | |
The BBC has rejected claims of "bias" after it moved live filming of Question Time from Bolton to London. | The BBC has rejected claims of "bias" after it moved live filming of Question Time from Bolton to London. |
The programme said Thursday's show was broadcast from Dulwich to allow politicians attending Brexit debates at Westminster to take part. | The programme said Thursday's show was broadcast from Dulwich to allow politicians attending Brexit debates at Westminster to take part. |
Some social media users said moving filming from Bolton, where 58% voted to leave the EU, ensured a pro-EU audience in London, which voted to remain. | Some social media users said moving filming from Bolton, where 58% voted to leave the EU, ensured a pro-EU audience in London, which voted to remain. |
The BBC said it was looking for a new date to return to Bolton. | The BBC said it was looking for a new date to return to Bolton. |
The weekly BBC One debate, which allows audience members to question a panel of politicians, journalists and public figures, had been due to air from Bolton's Albert Halls. | |
Some Twitter users took to the platform as the show aired on Thursday to say a panel comprising northern politicians should have been sought if MPs were unwilling to travel from London. | Some Twitter users took to the platform as the show aired on Thursday to say a panel comprising northern politicians should have been sought if MPs were unwilling to travel from London. |
Bolton 'dumped' | Bolton 'dumped' |
Others suggested the BBC was guilty of "demographic management" and "bias". | Others suggested the BBC was guilty of "demographic management" and "bias". |
One said the BBC had "dumped" filming in front of a Bolton audience in favour of London because it did not "want to hear their opinion". | One said the BBC had "dumped" filming in front of a Bolton audience in favour of London because it did not "want to hear their opinion". |
The panel of guests included Tottenham MP David Lammy and Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright, the MP for Kenilworth and Southam in Warwickshire, who were joined by journalists and an MEP. | The panel of guests included Tottenham MP David Lammy and Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright, the MP for Kenilworth and Southam in Warwickshire, who were joined by journalists and an MEP. |
The BBC rejected suggestions moving the show was related to the way Bolton voted in the referendum. | The BBC rejected suggestions moving the show was related to the way Bolton voted in the referendum. |
A spokesman said: "The decision was taken at the start of the week when it was extremely unclear when and if crucial Brexit votes would be taking place. | A spokesman said: "The decision was taken at the start of the week when it was extremely unclear when and if crucial Brexit votes would be taking place. |
"If there had been voting on Thursday, politicians would not have been able to get to Bolton." | "If there had been voting on Thursday, politicians would not have been able to get to Bolton." |
The programme is currently inviting prospective audience members to apply for live episodes due to be filmed in Nottingham on 25 April, Warrington on 2 May, Northampton on 9 May and Elgin on 16 May. | The programme is currently inviting prospective audience members to apply for live episodes due to be filmed in Nottingham on 25 April, Warrington on 2 May, Northampton on 9 May and Elgin on 16 May. |
It is not due to return to London until 20 June. | It is not due to return to London until 20 June. |