![](\"https:\/\/cdni.rt.com\/files\/2018.03\/thumbnail\/5aabb1d8fc7e93c9578b45d6.jpg\")
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Going Underground\u2019s Afshin Rattansi hit out at the UK government on the BBC\u2019s Question Time program, after the very first question from the audience tackled accusations against Russia over the Salisbury poisoning scandal. <\/p>\n
An audience member dove right into the Russia debate, asking: \u201cHow certain are you that the Salisbury attack was beyond doubt the responsibility of the Russian state?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Labour’s Shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer commended the UK Prime Minister Theresa May in his response, stating that May was correct in expelling Russian diplomats following the attack on ex-double agent Sergei Skripal, which left the former spy, his daughter Yulia and a police officer in serious condition in hospital.<\/p>\n Rattansi swooped on Starmer\u2019s comments, stating: \u201cThis person to my right who has had close contact with the intelligence services says \u2018only Russia had these chemicals,\u2019\u201d<\/em> he said, pointing at Starmer.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s something, given that Britain vetoed in the past few hours a UN Security Council resolution asking for an investigation into these atrocities in Wiltshire. Why did Britain veto that resolution? That\u2019s interesting, isn\u2019t it?”<\/em><\/p>\n Afshan Rattansi straight away exposing the hypocrisy of the British government. What a star #bbcqt<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Vince Mince (@droleproletroll) March 15, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n Rattansi\u2019s statement referred to a move made by the UK on Wednesday blocking a UN Security Council statement drafted by Russia which called for an “urgent and civilized”<\/em> investigation into the poisoning of former double agent Skripal.<\/p>\n Continuing, RT presenter Rattansi turned on Starmer and the Labour Party. \u201cWhy is it that neo-con, neo-liberal Labour Party members continue to try and use WMDs to push us into war,\u201d <\/em>he said. \u201cThat is an implication, certainly, over what your leader Jeremy Corbyn has been saying.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n READ MORE:\u00a0UK blocks Russia’s draft UN Security Council statement on Skripal poisoning case<\/a><\/p>\n Host David Dimbleby interrupted, attempting to steer the conversation back to the audience member\u2019s original question. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, we\u2019re getting off the point,\u201d<\/em> Dimbleby said. \u201cYou were asked a very simple question by Paul Wilson, do him the honor of answering his question. \u2018How certain are you that the Salisbury attack was beyond doubt the responsibility of the Russian state?\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n On the matter, Rattansi stated: \u201cEven the prime minister said it was only highly likely, so it is not beyond reasonable doubt. We must have an urgent investigation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n When asked for his personal opinion, Rattansi said \u201cI really don\u2019t know,\u201d<\/em> before quoting RT\u2019s tagline: \u201cIn a sense, RT as a channel, Going Underground, we try and look at certainty and question more.<\/em><\/p>\n Regardless of what you think of @afshinrattansi<\/a> or his employers, I’m afraid he’s absolutely right when he suggests questioning everything. This government simply can’t be trusted, they cover up scandals to protect themselves and the elite. #BBCQT<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rachael (@Rachael_Swindon) March 15, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n \u201cWe cannot believe our governments anymore like we used to, just because a prime minister stands up and says, \u2018the security services have told us so.\u2019 Those days are over.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Social media was divided by Rattansi\u2019s comments. While some praised the presenter, others attacked him and the TV channel he represents.<\/p>\n He’s an embarrassment. As is anyone who supports his views, Eh George. BTW, how is your mate Saddam Hussain?<\/p>\n \u2014 Anton Gaudi (@RoddyTriano) March 15, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n Sickening to hear @afshinrattansi<\/a> lecture on anti semitism, given the anti semitic messages he has shared, and to claim Russia helping the people of Crimea when human rights abuses widespread- hope that @bbcquestiontime<\/a> won’t let such madness go unchallenged! #bbcqt<\/a> panel<\/p>\n \u2014 stellacreasy (@stellacreasy) March 15, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n Afshin Rattansi there with one of the finest #bbcqt<\/a> speeches in the programmes history. Keir Starmer has had to change his name to Keep Stammering.<\/p>\n \u2014 \u00a2\u044f\u03b1\u03b9g\u0442\u043d\u0454\u03c1\u03b9\u00a2\u0442 (@craigthepict) March 15, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n The RT journalist thanked the BBC for inviting him on the program despite comments made from MP Sarah Wollaston calling for the other panelists to \u201cwalk out in disgust\u201d<\/em> over his involvement in the program.<\/p>\n Seriously, why is @bbcquestiontime<\/a> giving a platform to RT, a mouthpiece for Putin? Russia has unleashed a nerve agent here in Britain & 3 people, including a police officer, have been fighting for their lives. Hope other panellists walk out in disgust https:\/\/t.co\/ndFtxGYRbm<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Sarah Wollaston MP (@sarahwollaston) March 14, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n \u201cAnd can I just say thank you to the BBC for inviting me because the head of the liaison committee in Parliament, Sarah Wollaston MP, has told all the people on this panel to walk off,\u201d<\/em> he said. \u201cThat\u2019s free speech in this country,\u201d<\/em> he added.<\/p>\n Wow, the very first words from the Russia Today \/ RT presenter are outright lies -he claimed that Sarah Wollaston told the other panelists to “Walk off.”<\/p>\n It just wasn’t true.<\/p>\n Remember that the next time people say RT is trustable, their reps lie for any points possible.#BBCQT<\/a>pic.twitter.com\/zWzhU4tM0w<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Alastair Thompson (@AlastairJT) March 15, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n In turn, Starmer said: \u201cI have not had a conversation with her, she has not spoken to me.\u201d <\/em>Rattansi replied: \u201cShe has tweeted that the entire panel should walk out, I never said she had spoken to you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n
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