Complaint
In a discussion about public sector pay Fiona Bruce intervened with a question for the RMT leader Mick Lynch about the potentially inflationary consequences of large pay rises. Β As an aside she suggestedΒ her remarks had been prompted by the fact the Conservative panellist had been βquiet as a mouseβ on the subject.Μύ A number of viewers contacted the ECU to complain this showed bias in favour of the Conservative Party, and was symptomatic ofΒ the wider unfair treatment of Mr Lynch by the presenter and members of the audience. The ECU considered the complaint against the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Guidelines on Impartiality.
Outcome
It is a long established convention that the role of chairing Question Time goes beyond holding the ring between the panellists and the audience. Fiona Bruce regularly intervenes to shape the direction of the debate, acting on behalf of the viewers at home who cannot take part directly in the discussion. Β And if, as here, she believed there was an issue which needed addressing but had not been picked up by a panellist, the ECU took the view that she was entitled to ask that question herself. In that context an aside by the presenter to the effect that she was surprised the question had not already been raised was a legitimate exercise of her function as the programme presenter and part of the cut and thrust of the debate.Μύ
Question Time is a topical discussion programme and, with significant strikes on the railways, the presence of Mr Lynch on the panel was timely. It did mean, however, that his contributions on the topic of industrial relations were always likely to be closely scrutinised by fellow panellists, members of the audience and Fiona Bruce alike. Β Nonetheless the ECU found no evidence to support the claim that Mr Lynch was unfairly treated. Whilst some members of the audience were undoubtedly critical of the RMT, others, including a striking railway worker, supported, or were at least more sympathetic to, the position of public sector workers.
Not Upheld