Entertainment

BBC News at Six gaffe shows PM travelling to Brussels in Second World War plane

A clip of the bombers flying over Biggin Hill was shown during a segment on Theresa May’s trip to renegotiate the EU Withdrawal Agreement.
A clip of the bombers flying over Biggin Hill was shown during a segment on Theresa May’s trip to renegotiate the EU Withdrawal Agreement.

A “simple human error” by BBC producers made it appear as if Theresa May was travelling to Brussels  in a fleet of Second World War bombers to reopen negotiations with the EU.

During Wednesday’s News at Six, footage of planes flying over Biggin Hill airbase was shown as newsreader Sophie Raworth recapped the Prime Minister’s visit.

The section was meant to be accompanied by footage of Mrs May.

Instead, clips showing planes over the air base were shown, comically suggesting Mrs May was travelling to Brussels in a fleet of RAF bombers.

Raworth told viewers: “Theresa May says she intends to go back to Brussels to negotiate her Brexit deal but EU leaders say the deal is done and they will not reopen talks.”

Mrs May said she intends to go back to the EU and reopen negotiation over the Irish backstop but some of the EU’s most senior politicians and officials have lined up to insist the deal cannot be unpicked.

Paul Royall, who edits the News at Six and News at 10, said on Twitter the clips had been intended to tease a later story about the airbase.

He joked he was “pretty sure” May was not travelling to Europe in this manner.

Mr Royall said: “For those wondering – simple human error at end of #BBCNewsSix.

“A production mistake meant pictures used earlier to tease story about Biggin Hill ended up in our top story recap at close of show.

“If and when it happens pretty certain PM not travelling to Brussels like this.”

Best known for its role in the Battle of Britain, Biggin Hill served as one of the vital command bases for the Hurricanes and Spitfires of RAF Fighter Command protecting the south-east.