Steve Bray hauled out of BBC debate after heckling Jacob Rees-Mogg – video | Politics | News

Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray has been pulled from a BBC debate after harassing former Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg. Video footage from the event shows security forces grabbing and pulling Mr Bray out, at one point dragging him to the ground. As he was forcibly removed from the room, Mr Bray continued to shout “Tories out”.

MPs have questioned why Mr Bray was allowed into the venue as he is a known protester.

Tory MP Jonathon Gullis said the decision to let him in was “stunning” and said it was a “classic example of the BBC’s anti-Brexit bias”.

Meanwhile, Conservative colleague Scott Benton said the BBC was “incredibly reckless and/or incompetent when it comes to upholding its commitment to impartiality”.

Mr Gullis, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, told Express.co.uk: “It is amazing that the BBC is letting in a well-known Remoan who poses a threat to MPs and the public alike.

“It’s amazing they didn’t spot him. The supposedly impartial BBC has shown its true colors by allowing such a high-profile anti-Brexit figure to take part in the debate.

“This is a classic example of the BBC’s anti-Brexit bias.”

Mr Benton echoed this, saying it was “hard to believe the producers of a BBC debate show wouldn’t know who he was”.

He added: “I would like to say I was shocked that he was let in but honestly nothing surprises me anymore on the BBC.

“Stunts like this are exactly what Mr Bray is known for and anyone who worked in the media or politics for more than a week could have predicted what was about to happen.

“The BBC is either incredibly reckless and/or incompetent when it comes to upholding its commitment to impartiality or, as people have long suspected, such actions are intentional.”

Meanwhile, Tory MP Lee Anderson slammed Steve Bray, describing him as “the number one public nuisance”.

After being interrupted by the protester, Mr Rees-Mogg himself pointed to Mr Bray’s high-profile presence among MPs.

He said, “Steve, it’s very nice of you to join us.

“For those of you listening at home, Steve Bray stands outside the House of Commons every day and screams.

“I have often told him that if he wants to get his point across, he should stand for election.

“He’s trying to disturb us tonight. He’ll be taken out now so we can continue the discussion.”

At the Radio 4 debate, moderated by Mishal Hussain, former Conservative Cabinet Secretary Mr Rees-Mogg debated the issue of Brexit with former Labor spin doctor Alastair Campbell and CBI chief Tony Danker.

A BBC spokesman said: “Tickets for today’s debate will be allocated at random to applicants.

“The majority apply for tickets before the subject is announced.”