Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Parliamentary authorities forced the BBC to stop filming a live broadcast because the report showed disability benefit cuts protest in the background.
BBC assistant political editor Norman Smith told viewers there had been “a protest by a number of disability protesters inside Central Lobby because of their anger…” before he was interrupted by a parliamentary official.
“Sorry, you’re going to have to stop. You can’t film with this going on in the background,” she said, appearing in-shot.
“It’s part of the rules and conditions of you using this area and you’re not allow to film.”
After a brief exchange in which Mr Smith protested, the live broadcast was immediately terminated mid-report and the BBC News channel cut to another report.
Dozens of people chanting “Cameron killer” protested inside Central Lobby near the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions.
The protesters were from the Disabled People Against the Cuts as well as others.
The Government has U-turned on planned cuts to PIP but also already passed cuts to the Employment and Support Allowance benefit. The so-called Bedroom Tax also disproportionate affected disabled people, according to official figures.
Black Rod, the head of Parliamentary security, told reporters not to take or publish photographs of the protest.
Photography is generally restricted inside the Palace of Westminster.
Broadcasters have only a number of spots they can film from in the Palace of Westminster – including one in Central Lobby.
Both Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell and Green MP Caroline Lucas posted photographs of the protest anyway, despite parliamentary authorities’ rules.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments