Here’s the short version: the claim is not true. There is no BBC rule, no parliamentary rule, and no established convention that bans MPs from appearing on Question Time when the programme is broadcast from their own constituency. Nothing in the House of Commons guidance supports such a restriction, and the BBC has never stated such a rule publicly.
The House of Commons Library outlines conventions about MPs visiting or intervening in other MPs’ constituencies, not their own. These conventions relate to courtesy between MPs, not media appearances.
These conventions say nothing about TV appearances, and nothing about restrictions within an MP’s own constituency.
There is no publicly documented BBC policy that bans MPs from appearing on Question Time in their own constituency.
Historically, MPs have appeared on QT when the show is filmed in their constituency. It’s not common—because the panel is usually chosen for political balance, not geography—but it’s absolutely not prohibited.
If the BBC did tell an MP this, it would be:
• an internal editorial choice
• a misunderstanding
• or a convenient excuse to avoid saying “we didn’t pick you this week”
But it is not a rule. Moreover, as Farage has appeared on #bbcqt more than any other MP, it is doubtful that any of these apply