The BBC apologized and edited a segment of Radio 4's Thought for the Day after Krish Kandiah labeled Robert Jenrick's remarks about asylum seekers xenophobic. Kandiah emphasized that fears surrounding asylum seekers are often irrational, as many are fleeing dire situations. Despite this, Jenrick expressed concerns over asylum seekers moving into neighborhoods. The incident escalated after Kandiah quoted Jenrick's article in the Mail on Sunday, which listed crimes allegedly involving migrants, intensifying the debate on xenophobia and public perception of asylum seekers.
Kandiah stated, 'I certainly don't want my children to share a neighbourhood with men from backward countries who broke into Britain illegally, and about whom we know next to nothing.' This reflects a prevalent fear of the stranger, often termed xenophobia. He noted these fears are irrational, pointing out that most small boat arrivals are fleeing war, persecution, and famine.
The BBC edited parts of the segment retrospectively, acknowledging that the language used by Kandiah was inappropriate for the faith-based radio context.
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