Reform UK criticises BBC for including migrants in Question Time audience
Reform UK has launched a fresh attack on the BBC for including illegal migrants in the audience of its flagship programme, Question Time. The party’s policy chief Zia Yusuf expressed disbelief that the Corporation had invited two small boat arrivals to participate in the discussion, where he was a panellist, reports BritPanorama.
During the latest episode, filmed in Dover, an Afghan and an Iranian man posed questions to the politicians present. Mr. Yusuf condemned the decision, stating, “It is a scandal that licence fee money is being paid to bring to air an ‘immigration special’ where people who literally broke into this country are getting to air their views.”
He further questioned the appropriateness of allowing such individuals to engage with policymakers, asking rhetorically if the BBC would invite tax evaders to discuss the Budget. “What’s next? On Budget day, is the BBC going to bring us the viewpoint of tax evaders? I don’t know where we go from here,” he said.
Reform UK chairman David Bull echoed these sentiments, labelling the BBC’s actions as “outrageous” for “platforming people who broke into this country illegally.” This incident underscores a growing tension between the party and the national broadcaster.
During the show, the Afghan migrant revealed he had had his asylum claim rejected by six countries before crossing the Channel. The Iranian migrant defended the European Convention of Human Rights during the discussion. In response, Mr. Yusuf reiterated his incredulity, saying, “How on earth can it be deemed appropriate that people who broke into this country illegally should have a seat at the table?”
This controversy intensifies the ongoing row between Reform UK and the BBC, especially following Nigel Farage’s recent accusations of “double standards” after being confronted about historic antisemitism claims on Radio 4. Mr. Farage argued that the BBC had no right to question him about past comments, insinuating hypocrisy given the broadcaster’s own historical output.
Mr. Farage threatened to boycott the BBC unless an apology was issued for the questioning, which he described as “despicable.” He stated, “I’m done with you. Until you apologise, I’m not speaking to you.” He characterised the treatment he received during the interview as disgraceful and hypocritical, referencing the BBC’s past programming choices.
This situation illustrates the ongoing debates surrounding immigration policy and media representation in the UK, raising broader questions about accountability and public discourse.
As discussions around immigration continue to reshape public policies and media narratives, the challenge remains for policymakers and media organisations to balance representation with legality and public sentiment.
