A controversial statement by a senior politician has reignited long-standing discussions about xenophobia in Britain, leading to a formal apology from the BBC and widespread public debate.
The BBC issued a statement apologising after a segment on Radio 4's 'Thought for the Day' included comments that were criticised as promoting xenophobic attitudes. The segment, part of the BBC's religious programming, featured theologian Dr Krish Kandiah, founder of the refugee charity The Sanctuary Foundation. He referenced a recent article by Conservative MP Robert Jenrick, which described certain migrants as coming from 'backward countries' and being involved in illegal crossings into Britain.
