David Dimbleby was given a 30-second warning by Victoria Derbyshire (Image: BBC)

Newsnight has come under fire after David Dimbleby’s guest spot was rushed along. Appearing on Monday’s programme, the BBC legend was asked why the UK has welcomed seven prime ministers in the last decade. As he attempted to answer the question, however, Victoria Derbyshire was forced to interrupt.

“I have no idea,” David began, as he reflected on the current state of the UK government. “We’ve only got 30 seconds left,” Victoria warned. Pushed for time, the journalist told Newsnight: “I think [Andy] Burnham has started well. The problems [show] no change from what they’ve been […] since 2008.

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“But I think he’s started well,” David mused. “I think communication is the first rule of a prime minister who can appeal and his predecessor couldn’t communicate, and that was the cause of his downfall in my view.”

Following David’s brief appearance on Newsnight, one viewer tweeted the clip in frustration. “Not enough time given to DD last night,” they declared. “Too many guests on the sofa for the previous item. Now that the shackles are off Dimbleby, his plain speaking & massive experience are worth more than a few minutes at the end of the programme.”

Newsnight fans felt that David Dimbleby should have been given more interview time (Image: Getty)

A sentiment which was widely felt, several flocked to the comments in response. “I would like to see him interviewed for the full half hour. He was brilliant again last night,” mused one.

“Cutting Newsnight to 30 minutes was always ridiculous and this underlines it,” added a second. Meanwhile, a third noted, “They should have just given him the whole programme. It was obvious Victoria felt she didn’t have enough time and wanted longer.”

Echoing this sentiment, a fourth wrote, “Newsnight really is a poor excuse for a programme these days. Not enough time for meaningful discussions and they keep wheeling the same people out with their tired political opinions.”