The BBC has apologised to Robert Jenrick after a charity director suggested the Conservative leadership contender was xenophobic during Radio 4's flagship Today programme. The broadcaster's head of editorial standards wrote personally to the shadow justice secretary acknowledging the comments went beyond acceptable standards.
Krish Kandiah, director of the Sanctuary Foundation, made the controversial remarks during Wednesday's "Thought for the Day" segment. He claimed Jenrick had increased "fear of the stranger" among people, adding: "The technical name for this is xenophobia."
Kandiah further stated that "all phobias are by definition irrational" but have "a huge impact", claiming xenophobia had "fuelled angry protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers, deepening divisions in our communities".
BBC Editorial Response
BBC editorial standards chief Roger Mahony concluded the language was inappropriate for the programme format. He told Jenrick: "I have concluded that, while its reflection on fear in society from a faith perspective is broadly in line with expectations of Thought For The Day, some of the language it used went beyond that."
The broadcaster has since removed the xenophobia references from the programme on BBC Sounds. Mahony asked for both references to be edited out and offered a formal apology for their original inclusion.
Jenrick's Defence
Jenrick defended his position and criticised the broadcaster's initial decision to air the comments. He said: "Illegal migration is obviously fuelling crime and the public are right to be concerned about it. It's extremely disappointing the BBC thought it was acceptable to smear millions of worried citizens as 'xenophobic' for their completely understandable fears about undocumented men entering illegally."
Related Controversy
The controversy comes amid heightened tensions over asylum accommodation sites. Protests have been held outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, after asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was accused of attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
Kebatu denies the charges of sexual assault and is due to stand trial this month. The case has sparked ongoing demonstrations at the asylum accommodation site.
The BBC issued a final statement acknowledging the error: "While the programme's reflection on fear in society from a faith perspective was broadly in line with expectations of Thought For The Day, some of the language used went beyond that and we apologise for its inclusion."
Sources used: "PA Media", "Independent", "Daily Mail" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
