BBC apologises after Robert Jenrick accused of xenophobia

Paul Glynn & Ian YoungsCulture reporterPAThe 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 creator Dr Krish Kandiah used the time period about an article by which Jenrick mentioned he would not need his daughters residing close to “males from backward international locations who broke into Britain illegally and about whom subsequent to nothing”.In response, Jenrick mentioned listeners had been informed that “when you’re involved about the specter of unlawful migrants to your children, you are racist”.A BBC assertion mentioned that whereas Dr Kandiah’s message was “broadly consistent with expectations of Thought for the Day, a number 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 section, which is broadcast through 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 definitely don’t desire my youngsters to share a neighbourhood with males from backward international locations 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 title 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. Nevertheless, over the previous 12 months, xenophobia has fuelled indignant protests exterior motels 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 children, you are racist. Improper. You are a good dad or mum.”A BBC spokesperson mentioned: “Whereas its reflection on concern in society from a religion perspective is broadly consistent with expectations of Thought for the Day, a number 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 exterior asylum motels who’ve been pushed to breaking level”.Greater than 27,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel for the reason that begin of the 12 months.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 12 months, whereas an estimated 517,000 folks left the nation.