BBC Question Time's Fiona Bruce sparks backlash as viewers complain minutes into show

With just three weeks until the general election, Fiona Bruce presented an hour of political debate with politicians and voters from Edinburgh.

Joining BBC's Question Time on Thursday night, the host was joined on the panel by the Scottish National Party’s deputy first minister Kate Forbes MSP, the leader of the Conservatives in Scotland, Douglas Ross MSP, the leader of Scottish Labour, Anas Sarwar MSP, the chief strategist behind the 2014 campaign for Scottish independence, Stephen Noon and the former UK Government adviser, Iain Anderson.

But viewers were left unimpressed just minutes into the programme after they claimed Fiona repeatedly "interrupted" a member of the panel, most notably Kate, who worked under Nicola Sturgeon's government.

Taking to social media @JCaramac fumed: "#bbcqt Christ, Bruce, let her speak, eh? FFS."

@cammyk_67 remarked: "Does Fiona Bruce host this or does she just challenge nationalists , never interrupted Dross."

@bazz_87 raged: "Jesus Fiona, calm the f*** down! Let Kate speak! I may not like her and her policies, but she deserves to be heard. #bbcqt."

@JMPAdams tweeted: "Fiona Bruce behaving badly yet again #bbcqt."

@BobInOrbit said: "#bbcqt Fiona Bruce is too quick to interrupt Kate Forbes. It's too obvious. Also, she asks questions directly - I thought this was supposed to involve questions from the audience?"

@ShortbreadFairy remarked: "Fiona Bruce keeps butting in and accuses Kate Forbes of making it up whilst Sarwar went unchallenged on his austerity fluff."

@Rummlie added: "Look I can't stand Kate Forbes, but why is she the only one being interrupted?"

Others argued that Fiona has to cut in so everyone on the panel gets a fair chance to answer the audience member's questions as @jim argued: "It's her job!"

The divide among viewers was spurred on after the panel was asked: "How do we achieve a just transition from oil and gas to clean energy without losing thousands of jobs?"

Fiona went to Kate and queried the SNP's position on oil and gas licenses, as she quizzed: "Are you for them or against them or not for them?"

Kate explained they are "for going though each of the licenses applications on a case-by-case basis" which was met with laughter from the studio audience.

"Let me finish my answer," the SNP minister argued.

Fiona cut in and said: "How can a new oil and gas field ever be compatible with climate change?"

Kate commented: "If I can illustrate that...", but the BBC presenter interjected: "No, answer that question first."

As the minister attempted to explain her point Fiona interrupted, saying: "That's different from climate change compatibility. How can they be compatible?"

Kate urged: "I'm answering your question..." The BBC presenter faced the audience and said: "Are you hearing an answer here?"

"Well, no because you're not letting me," the First Minister concluded.

Some Question Time viewers admitted to "switching off" following the pair's back and forth.

Question Time is available to catch up on BBC iPlayer