BBC apologises after Robert Jenrick accused of xenophobia

The BBC has apologised after a contributor to the Radio 4 Right this moment programme’s Thought for the Day slot accused shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick of “xenophobia”.

Theologian and writer Dr Krish Kandiah used the time period about an article through which Jenrick mentioned he would not need his daughters residing close to “males from backward nations who broke into Britain illegally and about whom you realize subsequent to nothing”.

In response, Jenrick mentioned listeners had been informed that “when you’re involved about the specter of unlawful migrants to your youngsters, you are racist”.

A BBC assertion mentioned that whereas Dr Kandiah’s message was “broadly in keeping with expectations of Thought for the Day, a few of the language it used went past that and we apologise for its inclusion”.

Wednesday’s episode of the Right this moment programme was quickly taken down from catch-up service BBC Sounds whereas three sentences had been edited out of Thought for the Day.

The phase, which is broadcast in the course of the Right this moment programme however overseen by the BBC’s faith division, options contributors from non secular and theological backgrounds delivering messages associated to topical themes and occasions.

On Wednesday, Dr Kandiah, founding father of refugee charity The Sanctuary Basis, referred to a Mail on Sunday article written by Jenrick this weekend.

He quoted a line from the Conservative politican that mentioned: “I actually don’t desire my kids to share a neighbourhood with males from backward nations who broke into Britain illegally and about whom we all know subsequent to nothing.”

Dr Kandiah continued: “These phrases echo a concern many have absorbed – concern of the stranger. The technical identify for that is xenophobia. All phobias are, by definition, irrational. However, they’ve a huge effect.

“It’s comprehensible that many individuals are scared by the unknown, particularly if they have been informed illegality and unfairness are a part of the story. Nonetheless, over the previous yr, xenophobia has fuelled offended protests outdoors inns housing asylum seekers, deepening divisions in our communities.”

In response, Jenrick, who has three daughters aged 10, 12 and 14, posted: “On BBC Radio 4 this morning listeners had been informed that when you’re involved about the specter of unlawful migrants to your youngsters, you are racist. Fallacious. You are a good father or mother.”

A BBC spokesperson mentioned: “Whereas its reflection on concern in society from a religion perspective is broadly in keeping with expectations of Thought for the Day, a few of the language it used went past that and we apologise for its inclusion.”

It’s understood the BBC was apologising for the inclusion of an opinion in a spot the place it was inappropriate, not passing judgement on the rights or wrongs of the opinion.

In his Mail on Sunday article, Jenrick additionally described migrant crossings within the English Channel as “a nationwide safety emergency” and mentioned he had sympathy with “the moms and dads peacefully protesting outdoors asylum inns who’ve been pushed to breaking level”.

Greater than 27,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel because the begin of the yr.

Small boat arrivals are a small share of the UK’s general immigration determine. In 2024, an estimated 948,000 folks arrived anticipating to remain no less than a yr, whereas an estimated 517,000 folks left the nation.