REFORM has lodged an official complaint with the BBC for putting migrants who arrived in the UK illegally in the Question Time audience.
Policy chief called it “extraordinary and frankly, inappropriate for a licence fee-funded broadcaster”.
Reform has blasted the BBC for allowing illegal migrants into the Question Time audience, branding it ‘extraordinary and inappropriate’
Ashraf from Afghanistan revealed on the show he had his asylum claim rejected by six countries before making his way across the Channel
The Iranian asylum seeker appeared to be reading his impassioned defence of the ECHR from a mobile device he was holdingCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
He appeared on , where an Afghan and Iranian who had both arrived on small boats participated.
In his letter to both the complaints team and Board of Directors, Mr Yusuf said: “This programme represented a serious failure of impartiality, editorial judgment, and audience selection standards expected of the BBC.”
The Afghan man revealed on the show he had his asylum claim rejected by six countries before making his way across the Channel.
And the Iranian launched into an impassioned defence of the .
Mr Yusuf said: “Should we now expect the BBC to invite tax evaders to comment on the Budget?
“Would it stack an audience with convicted burglars to discuss and order policy?
“Yesterday’s programme was a comparable breach of common sense and public trust.”
The BBC said it made all parties aware it planned to feature the two migrants the day before it was filmed.
A spokesman said: “Over 20 audience members asked questions and contributed to the debate — including two people with direct experience of the asylum system in the UK who have been granted refugee status.”
It deepens the row between Reform and the BBC after yesterday slammed the broadcaster over “double standards” after being .
The Reform UK leader has blasted the BBC as ‘utterly disgraceful’ after including illegal asylum seekers in the flagship show
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
