Complaint
This programme was a special edition dealing with the single topic of immigration. A viewer complained that it was inaccurate and misleading for the Reform UK panellist, Zia Yusuf to refer to people coming to the UK on small boats as entering the country “illegally”. The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the BBC’s editorial standards of accuracy.
Outcome
While many of those arriving on small boats are subsequently recognised as bona fide asylum seekers, entering the UK without valid permission is classed as illegal entry, irrespective of any asylum claim made afterwards.
Not upheld