Some tough questions for the Labour leader.
After Theresa May had her credibility questioned by two very relevant questions from members of the public, it was the turn of Jermmy Corbyn to step into the firing line. The dominant topics of discussion would be nuclear weapons, Trident, his dealings with the IRA and the Labour manifesto.
To begin with, Corbyn stated that he would be happy to engage in an open debate with the Prime Minister, should Theresa May choose to do so.
.@Theresa_May has spent #GE2017 avoiding a debate with me because she knows her record of failure and unfairness is indefensible. #BBCQT pic.twitter.com/0xqeXuZWhS
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 2, 2017
Trident and the use of nuclear weapons quickly became the topical issue as Corbyn seemed somewhat awkward when pushed on the issue.
In fact, one gentleman could clearly be heard saying ‘answer the question” during the discussion.
After being reminded that Labour were committed to renewing Trident, Corbyn stated that there should be no such thing as first use and that he wouldn’t ‘push the button’ first.
An audience member says he is 'incredibly concerned' by Jeremy Corbyn's stated opposition to using nuclear weapons #bbcqt pic.twitter.com/ZW8FNTuBgr
— BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) June 2, 2017
I'm worried when leaders would press a nuclear button and mass incinerate millions of innocent people, not when they wouldn't #BBCQT
— Kevin Maguire (@Kevin_Maguire) June 2, 2017
Some people won't be happy unless Jeremy Corbyn launches a nuclear missile live on TV. #bbcqt
— Ben Rawson-Jones (@rawsonjones) June 2, 2017
This queen. #bbcqt pic.twitter.com/oKM7nbDRKE
— Hannah Jane Parkinson (@ladyhaja) June 2, 2017
This being said, others felt that he wasn’t definitive, or strong enough, on the issue.
Corbyn's nuking his entire campaign right before our eyes. #bbcqt
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 2, 2017
Corbyn inability to answer on trident defining moment of debate so far.
— (((Dan Hodges))) (@DPJHodges) June 2, 2017
No answer on Trident. A refusal to condemn the IRA. Taxes that will cost jobs. Corbyn's night in a nutshell #bbcqt
— Conservatives (@Conservatives) June 2, 2017
After being asked about anti-Semitism, the Labour leader remarked: “The way Jewish people have suffered is an appalling stain on history… I deplore racism in any form whatsoever.”
An audience member asks @JeremyCorbyn why the Labour party haven't dealt more harshly with anti-semitism #bbcqt pic.twitter.com/3C5vuvui4C
— BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) June 2, 2017
Regarding the IRA, Corbyn has already faced questions about the atrocities committed in Northern Ireland and his involvement with the peace process, but given the fact that certain voters are still skeptical about his allegiances, he faced further questions.
Corbyn reiterated that “there has to be a coming together” in an effort to bring peace to any territory, especially if it involves “talking to people that you don’t agree with.”
He added: “I didn’t support the IRA. I don’t support the IRA”
"I don't approve of any terrorism of any sort" – @jeremycorbyn tells #bbcqt audience https://t.co/SMmlfwLNSg #GE2017 pic.twitter.com/QFMLqMWsc5
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) June 2, 2017
Finally, the issue that everyone loves to talk about. Manifestos, manifestos, manifestos.
Here’s how Corbyn and May answered the respective questions.
Is Labour's manifesto "realistic" or a "letter to Santa Claus" – @jeremycorbyn faces #bbcqt questions https://t.co/SMmlfwLNSg #GE2017 pic.twitter.com/6HSgDSnGcA
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) June 2, 2017
Theresa May refuses to cost her manifesto, refuses to set a #DementiaTax cap, and then attacks Labour for a magic money tree 😂 #bbcqt
— Owen Jones (@OwenJones84) June 2, 2017
Who won? Well, the polls on June 8th will give us a definitive answer.
Big win for Theresa May tonight. Polls will reflect that. #bbcqt
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 2, 2017
Clear win for Jeremy tonight he gave straight answers to questions asked v May who was evasive and fell apart on manifesto pledges #bbcqt
— Angela Rayner 🌹 (@AngelaRayner) June 2, 2017
Do you want to know the real winner was though tonight?
Who won the debate?…..This girl did #bbcqt pic.twitter.com/0fptd5u8C4
— ⚫️ Victoria (@VickyVicsmi) June 2, 2017
