Westminster programming suspended on 5 Live during fire alarm

BBC Radio 5 Live went to backup this afternoon at 2.13pm due to a fire alarm in Westminster.

The station was broadcasting live from Millbank when the alarm could be heard in the background and presenter Matt Chorley said he had to leave the building.

A pre-recorded announcement played on loop saying the station was experiencing temporary technical difficulties and hoped to return to normal programming as soon as possible.

A highlights package also played during the downtime.

This continued till 2.19pm when Naga Munchetty took over from New Broadcasting House in London and explained to listeners that she was stepping in for a moment whilst Matt heads back to the 5 Live studio in London.

Naga said she was in a meeting after her show had finished at 2pm when she was called and asked to take over. Matt joked that Naga was “usually in the pub by 10 past 2”.

Matt reappeared on air at 2.33pm from BBC Millbank in Westminster, saying he’d made it half way round Parliament Square in a taxi before the all-clear was given and he ran back to the studio.