Parliamentary authorities today halted a live BBC broadcast because of a disability benefit cuts protest shown in the background.
BBC assistant political editor Norman Smith was interrupted by a parliamentary official and ordered to stop filming due to an ongoing protest by disability campaigners, who were chanting “Cameron killer”.
The broadcaster told viewers: “There has been a protest by a number of disability protesters inside Central Lobby because of their anger,” before he was interrupted by the parliamentary worker.
Appearing in shot, she said: “Sorry, you’re going to have to stop. You can’t film with this going on in the background.
“It’s part of the rules and conditions of you using this area and you’re not allowed to film.”
Mr Smith replied: “We’re not allowed to film this, why not?”, before agreeing to stop the broadcast mid-report.
Dozens of protestors from groups including Disabled People Against the Cuts and Win Visible gathered inside Central Lobby near the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions.
The Government has made a U-turn on planned cuts to PIP but approved cuts to the Employment and Support Allowance benefit.
A House of Commons spokesperson said: "Broadcasting in Central Lobby must be in the context of an interview with a Member or an introduction or commentary on specific business in the House that day.
"These conditions were not being complied with, so the broadcasters were asked to suspend temporarily."
