BBC Election debate reduced to shambles as 'man with megaphone' shouts over Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer as viewers brand it 'unwatchable'
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?'
Sir Keir Starmer (left), Mishal Husain (centre) and Rishi Sunak at today's BBC Election debate
The party leaders are taking part in a debate on BBC One
Rishi Sunak takes part in the live television debate
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.
ByLine Times Chief Reporter Josiah Mortimer confirmed the 'shouting you can hear in the background to the BBC general election debate is a Gaza protest outside.'
Distant chants of 'Free Free Palestine' could be heard early on in the televised debate on BBC One.
One protestor seems to be using a megaphone to get the political message across.
Nottingham Solidarity Group said on X: 'General Election Debate Protest in Nottingham started. We will not allow Genocide enablers to go undisturbed in our city. Free Palestine!'
A viewer replied: 'We are trying to listen to the debate. Respect our right to hear what the two leaders have to offer.'
Demonstrators outside the BBC Election debate taking place at Nottingham Trent University
The demonstrators are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza
Protestors gather outside Nottingham Trent University - the venue for the BBC Election Debate
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.'
Lucy Fisher, the Whitehall Editor for the Financial Times, tweeted: 'I must say the screaming and singing from outside the BBC debate venue is extremely off-putting.
'Beyond that, the room's acoustics are just too echoey for TV. Not a great choice.'
LBC Journalist Lewis Goodall tweeted: 'Appears there's a very loud protest outside. All for democratic protest but how absurd.'
He later added: 'Both men are on better form tonight, despite the distraction from outside.'
Beverley asks a question about benefit sanctions
Rishi Sunak was forced to ask for her name as he 'couldn't quite hear'
Viewers have pointed out that Sunak (right) has been 'interrupting' Starmer throughout the debate
The leaders discuss topics such as taxes and border restrictions
The Conservative leader speaks during the televised debate
The politicians are taking questions from audience members
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 immigration, tax and single-sex spaces.
But viewers have pointed out that the Conservative leader has been 'aggressive' by '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.
