The atmosphere turned electric on BBC Question Time as Conservative MP Laura Farris found herself at the centre of audience derision while defending the government's flagship Rwanda asylum policy.
Host Fiona Bruce was forced to intervene multiple times as laughter and disbelief swept through the studio when Farris claimed the scheme would serve as an effective deterrent against Channel crossings.
"They Were Laughing in My Face"
Farris appeared visibly uncomfortable as she told the programme: "When I was out campaigning in the by-election, people were laughing in my face about the Rwanda scheme." Her admission seemed to echo the studio audience's scepticism, creating an awkward moment for the government representative.
The MP for West Berkshire attempted to justify the controversial policy by stating: "The point of the Rwanda scheme is that it is a deterrent." However, this explanation only served to amplify the audience's incredulous reaction.
Host Loses Control of Crowd
Veteran presenter Fiona Bruce found herself in the difficult position of trying to restore order as the audience's reaction threatened to derail the discussion. "Okay, alright, let her... let her..." Bruce implored, but the wave of scepticism had already taken hold.
The tense exchange highlights the growing public scepticism surrounding the Rwanda plan, which has faced numerous legal challenges and criticism from human rights organisations since its announcement.
Policy Under Fire
The government's Rwanda deportation scheme, designed to send some asylum seekers to the African nation for processing, has become a cornerstone of the Conservative approach to immigration. However, Thursday night's reaction suggests the public remains deeply divided about its effectiveness and morality.
This isn't the first time the policy has faced public scrutiny, but the visceral audience response on one of the BBC's flagship political programmes signals potentially significant challenges for the government's messaging ahead of future elections.
