BBC accused of political correctness over all-women version of Question Time



The BBC is to celebrate women's rights by screening a version of Question Time with an all-female audience - but will still allow men on the panel.

The broadcaster is facing accusations of political correctness after announcing details of the special episode on this week's show.

The episode from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, will air on March 11 - during International Women's Week - and will follow the politics show's usual format with questions from the audience on topical subjects, the BBC said.

Special: The BBC has faced accusations of political correctness for planning a version of Question Time with an all-female audience

But the all-women audience goes against Question Time's usual process of selecting an audience to ensure a wide cross-section of British society.

The application form does not usually ask for the sex of potential audience members, but does request details such as name, address, age, political allegiance, racial group and occupation.

Applicants are asked what issues they would like to talk about and their views on the war in Iraq and on whether they are pro-Europe or not. The BBC says the information allows it to invite a balanced variety of people.

Others have questioned whether women should be treated as a special interest group.

Despite the emphasis on representing only women in the audience, the first confirmed panellist for the special edition of Question Time is a man - gardening expert Monty Don.