Definition CLAQUE - a group of people hired to applaud (or heckle) a performer or public speaker.
In the BBC Election debate, it was clear that the audience had been warned that applause was not to take place.
There were a number of bursts of controlled applause from the front left of the studio. When the cameras panned onto the audience - about twenty people, seated together, seemed to be acting on a signal to make almost riotous applause when leftist point was made.
Disgraceful!
BTW - well done, Nigel!
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