The BBC has been blasted for planning to air ‘dangerous nonsense’ after calling for anti-vaxxers to appear on Question Time.
Corporation was criticised for inviting people to join the audience in London when it visits.
Fiona Bruce, the presenter of this show, appealed to them during last week’s St Andrews broadcast.
She stated that a “relatively large proportion” of Londoners are not vaccinated, and she wanted to investigate some reasons for this.
However, social media users swiftly condemned her and BBC’s plans to broadcast ‘irresponsible views’.
One user said, “This dangerous nonsense.” The BBC has never been as irresponsible or populist to me.
“I know two people who were killed by Covid, and 10 other who had it.” It was a second-degree affliction for two of the victims.
Another tweet: “Putting anti-vaxxers in a debate’ programme implicitly implies they have an legitimate point of view, even if everybody else doesn’t agree with them.
“You are still failing massively in your massive responsibility to define the limits of public discussion acceptable.”
One commenter said: “This doesn’t make sense. If you don’t intend to counter any anti vaccination comments by providing facts, and including a proportionate amount of the vaccinated audience members then you should reconsider this stunt @BBCPolitics. You are falling lower and lower.
Another comment was added to his Twitter account: “This is why Question Time has passed its sell-by date.”
‘How can people discuss with Anti Vaxxers, there is no shared ground. It just a conspiracy that is actually causing the UK slip behind many of the EU vaccine take up (despite coverups by media and parliament).
Other participants said they were also susceptible to contracting the coronavirus from the aurdience.
A woman said online: ‘So the panel, host and the rest of the audience will be exposed to unvaccinated people indoors, in a studio, for a couple of hours?’
A second question was: “What are your plans to separate these people from others who do not wish to infect themselves with the potentially fatal virus?”
One more: Are you planning an indoor large gathering of people who are not vaccinated? And if so where is your risk assessment?
“How can you make sure balance? I.e. that there isn’t undue emphasis on fringe views?”
Bruce had challenged people to attend their London show, which will be held on February 3. She was in St Andrews last Wednesday.
She explained that she had mentioned last week, “We are seeking people who have not been vaccinated to be a part of our audience.”
“We know there is a large number in London, and we understand that people are reluctant to have the vaccine. These are some of the issues we want to investigate.
“So, if your decision was not to have your vaccines administered to you, then we are interested in hearing from you. It is a very important issue.
Video was shared by Question Times on social media with an instruction link for how to apply.
According to a BBC spokesperson, “There is still a substantial number of British citizens who have not been vaccinated in certain areas or communities.”
This is a part that we think is worth discussing.
Every argument is discussed at Question Time. Listening to and understanding our audience is the goal of this show.
“The BBC has made clear the scientific consensus about vaccination.
The panelists and audience safety were paramount.
“We request that all members of the audience provide proof of vaccination or evidence of a negative LFT.
“The seating arrangements for audience members are separated socially, and there is adequate ventilation. We ask that audience members wear masks when speaking.