Lively Debate Erupts at BBC's Any Questions? in Oakham
BBC Radio 4's flagship program, Any Questions?, brought its lively discussions to Oakham's Victoria Hall this evening. The Rutland audience wasted no time in making their voices heard, with applause, jeers, and heckles occasionally drowning out the panel. While the BBC's microphone systems managed to mute the audience for the broadcast, listeners at home could likely still sense the strong emotions present.
The presenter reminded the listening audience they were in a Conservative constituency. The large audience, were certainly not fans of the Conservatives.
I attempted to capture photographs of the panel and encountered resistance from some of the security personnel, who were "unpleasant" and "obstructive." Thankfully, John Nicolson, the SNP spokesperson for Culture defied the tense atmosphere and kindly stopped for a photo, much to the apparent annoyance of security.
Richard Tice, Chair of Reform UK also stopped for a photo.
As other panel members eventually departed the light level was too low and the images captured are not useable. I am so please I am not a professional photographer attempting to make a living.
Further attempts to photograph the presenter outside the venue were also met with resistance, with only the photographer from Rutland Living Magazine seemingly granted permission for a single image.
In contrast, the BBC staff were more welcoming and accommodating than some of the security team.
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To listen again: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zw62
