Fiona Bruce on Question Time (Image: BBC)
The host of BBC’s Question Time issued a fiery demand to a Labour MP on this evening’s episode. Fiona Bruce was back at the helm of the show as she presented an hour of topical debate from Derby in the East Midlands.
Joining her as guests on this evening’s panel were Labour’s armed forces minister Luke Pollard MP and former chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Alicia Kearns MP, from the Conservatives.
Alongside them was author and academic Dr Maya Goodfellow, entrepreneur John Caudwell and US editor of Spectator magazine Freddy Gray.
The meeting between UK Prime Minister and US President was one of the main points of discussion for the show, while the war between and was also a chosen topic.
One of the first questions from an audience member on the show was: “Will increasing defence and reducing overseas aid keep us secure?” Mr Pollard jumped in to provide an answer but seemed skittish in his response – something which the host quickly picked up on.
He said that deciding what percentage of the budget to spend on armed forces is a “hard decision for the government”. One of the other guests chimed in as they asked: “So, what percentage do you think we need on defence, if you like?”
The Labour MP replied: “So, as the armed forces minister we spend about £66 billion at the moment and in April 2027 we will be spending £79 billion.” He explained that that ensures resources and good pay for the forces, but Fiona wasn’t happy with the answer given.
She pointed her pen at the guest as she asked: “Does that answer your question?” The minister then said that they are spending 3%, with Fiona continuing: “Do you think, to Freddy’s point, do you think 3% is enough? That’s where we should be?”
Once again the Labour politician said that it was a “difficult decision” and the host bluntly responded: “We know, you have made that point.
“Freddy is asking you what percentage do you think should be used as armed forces minister?” Mr Pollard replied saying that there was “huge enthusiasm”.
But Fiona had had enough as she bluntly cut in to say: “Ok, you are not answering the question. Are you just not going to answer it?”
The politian stuttered as he began to smirk with the host scolded him by saying: “Look at your face. You don’t want to answer this question do you?” She then moved on to let someone else speak, cutting Mr Pollard off completely.
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister announced that defence spending will be increasing to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027, with a view to it hitting 3 percent in the next Parliament.
This is a breaking live TV story, the team will be updating this story with the latest information as soon as we receive it. For further updates, please refresh the page
You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest TV stories straight to your inbox by
Get all the very best news, pictures, opinion and video on your favourite TV shows by following every time you see our name.
-
Follow Express on Google News –
-
Follow Express on Apple News -_ available on Apple devices_
-
Follow Express on _Flipboard – _ and click follow
You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news and all the latest updates by following, or for the latest TV and showbiz news, follow
Keep up-to-date with your must-see TV stories, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at
Question Time welcomed a new panel on BBC (Image: BBC)