The Cabinet minister was forced to break off from speaking to Times Radio about Labour 's local elections results to explain why there was the sound of a commotion.
The row over the BBC's documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone, spilled on to the streets of the capital as anti-Hamas protesters arrived outside Broadcasting House in Portland Place, London.
The Metropolitan Police denied putting a 'ring of steel' around Broadcasting House as the forces said officers would be posted nearby after preventing plans by protesters targeting the BBC.