BBC's John Humphrys sparks outrage after branding UKIP manifesto a 'suicide mission' - just seconds after Manchester bombing reference

Ironically the veteran broadcaster had just accused UKIP leader Paul Nuttall of being insensitive for not waiting another day before releasing the party's manifesto

ByVicki Newman

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BBC radio star sparks outrage with UKIP 'suicide mission' jibe  

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BBC radio presenter John Humphrys has been branded "deeply insensitive" after referring to UKIP's manifesto as a "suicide mission" - in virtually the same breath as the horrific Manchester terror attack.
Listeners of the Today programme took to Twitter in their droves demanding an apology from the veteran broadcaster - who asked the party leader Paul Nuttall why he hadn't waited another 24 hours before releasing his manifesto - out of respect for the Manchester terror victims.
Then in virtually the same breath Humphrys described the UKIP party as being on a "suicide mission."
His remarks come after at least 22 people were confirmed dead and a further 59 suffered life-threatening injuries after suicide bomber Salem Abedi targeted US pop star Ariana Grande's concert in Manchester on Monday evening.

22 people died after a suicide bombing at Ariana's concert (Photo: Getty)

People say John should issue an apology (Photo: BBC)

Today Humphrys was talking about the election campaign getting back on the road after a pause due to the attack.
He says: "The election campaign is back on the road tomorrow after a pause for the Manchester atrocity, but UKIP is jumping the gun, it's launching its manifesto today and its leader Paul Nuttall is with me. Good morning, couldn't have waited another day?"
Nuttall responds: "Well we took the decision that the best way to show these people that we will not be beaten, that they will not win, is to get back into the saddle, to launch the manifesto, because the one thing they hate more than anything is our democracy, and we believe that the democratic process should continue."

CLACTON-ON-SEA, ENGLAND - MAY 20: UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall speaks to media in front of supporters holding placards as he campaigns on May 20, 2017 in Clacton-on-Sea, England. Clacton MP Douglas Carswell had previously won UKIP's only seat in Parliament but has since left the party. All political parties continue to campaign across Britain ahead of the general election on June 8. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) (Photo: Jack Taylor)

And Humphrys then says: "Bit of a suicide mission for you isn't it, this campaign?"
Offended listeners took to Twitter to say he should apologise for using the term.
One listener seethed: "Do you think you guys could think about language? Asking paul nuttall if his manifesto launch was a suicide mission? Really?"
Another asked: "Did John Humphrys really have to use the phrase "suicide mission" when speaking to Paul Nuttal?"
"Did my ears deceive or did Humphrys insensitively ask a political leader if role as leader was a " suicide mission " ?If so = insensitive !," said another.
And another listener said: "Open mouthed when Humphrys chose "you're on a suicide mission" as appropriate words to irrelevant leader of dead parrot party..."
"I would suggest Humphrys apologises for that disgraceful "suicide mission" jibe at Paul Nuttall before end of programme," said one person.
The Mirror's associate editor, Kevin Maguire, added: "Unfortunate phrasing by @BBCr4today's John Humphrys asking Ukip's leader about Manchester then saying "Bit of a suicide mission for you.."

Mirror