BBC Question Time's David Dimbleby Criticised For 'Trying To Silence' SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh

"Can I have anyone's opinion but Tasmina's"

BBC Question Time viewers have lambasted David Dimbleby for "interrupting" and trying to "silence" a panellist on Thursday night's show.

Viewers hit out at Dimbleby over his treatment of SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh.

The 77-year-old presenter was accused of "talking over" the MP, while allowing other members of the panel to speak without interruption.

Viewers accused David Dimbleby of 'interrupting' SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh
Viewers accused David Dimbleby of 'interrupting' SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh
BBC

The MP for Ochil and South Perthshire joined Nicky Morgan, Emily Thornberry, Roger Helmer and Mark Littlewood on Thursday night's show.

While the programme was dominated by George Osborne's Budget announcements, viewers at home were quick to notice Dimbleby "interrupting" Ahmed-Sheikh.

David Dimbleby was slammed by BBC Question Time viewers of 'silencing' SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh
David Dimbleby was slammed by BBC Question Time viewers of 'silencing' SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh
BBC

Many people said that his treatment of her was not fair and that he allowed other panel members "to talk over her".

The BBC has been contacted for comment.

Discussions were heated in last night's Question Time show - the first since Osborne announced the Budget.

One audience member said that she felt as though the Tories "appreciate Google more than the NHS".

Speaking from the audience, the woman highlighted the apparent juxtaposition of Osborne’s pledge to reduce corporation tax with the plight of a cash-strapped NHS.

She said: "It’s sort of like saying you appreciate Google more than you appreciate the NHS."

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan also faced a series of bruising exchanges over controversial Government plans to cut benefits for disabled people.

Amid mounting criticism from Tory MPs and cross-party condemnation, Morgan made a shaky defence of the £4.4bn cut to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) that was a major plank of Osborne’s financial update.

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