Sky News was forced to "abandon" its interviews in the House of Commons this afternoon after a security officer interrupted its broadcast. The officer stood in front of a camera to stop protestors from being filmed inside the central lobby of the House of Commons.
The unusual action from the Parliament officer took place this afternoon shortly after Rishi Sunak was announced as the next Prime Minister. During Sky News' reporting of the political news, the broadcaster cut to senior political correspondent Jon Craig who was conducting interviews from Westminster.
During his interviews, protestors ran to the middle of the central lobby and sat down in protest. It was later revealed the protestors were members of Greenpeace who were demonstrating against the Government's response to the energy crisis.
As the protest got underway, Craig said: "I don't know if viewers can see but we appear to have a demo behind us but we will carry on though." But as the protest got underway a member of the Parliament security team attempted to stop Sky News' broadcast, seemingly to prevent the protest from being filmed.
At first, the security officer began speaking to the seated protestors but when they did not move he moved towards the Sky News team and put his hand in front of the camera. Addressing the security officer, Craig said, "We're midway through an interview, excuse me," before attempting to carry on his reporting.
The security officer then walked out of the shot but began walking in and out of the shot. Those being interviewed could be seen nervously glancing off-camera at the officer.
Craig was then forced to end his coverage as the unnamed officer stepped in front of the camera to prevent the filming. The presenter ended his segment by interrupting his interviews:
"Alright, we've got to stop you there," he told his MP guests. "Laura Farris, Rebbecca Pow, thank you very much. And the policeman sir, you're live on Sky News."
The footage can be seen in this Tweet posted by Telegraph journalist Gareth Davies.
Explaining the reason behind its protest Greenpeace UK’s co-executive director, Will McCallum, said: “Chaos costs lives. Since Boris Johnson resigned as prime minister, this government has spent more time looking for a new leader than leading the country.
"We now need a government capable of confronting crises, not creating them. Almost a quarter of the country is suffering fuel poverty thanks to ridiculous gas prices and the oldest, coldest housing in Europe. Winter is coming and lives will be lost if the government keeps failing to solve the problem.
"Rishi Sunak should have realised by now the huge mistake he made by blocking plans for warmer homes and failing to properly tax fossil fuel giants. People need permanently lower bills and a safe climate, and that means more renewable energy, more financial support, a nationwide street-by-street insulation programme, and a proper tax on the energy profiteers to pay for it. We’re here carrying voices from across the country to make the politicians listen to the people, stop the circus and act, before it’s too late.”
