BBC apologises to Jenrick over xenophobia accusation

The BBC has apologised to Robert Jenrick after the director of a refugee charity suggested the shadow justice secretary is xenophobic during one of its radio shows.

- RHIANNON JAMES

Krish Kandiah, of Sanctuary Foundation, said on Radio 4's Today programme yesterday that Mr Jenrick had increased “fear of the stranger” among people.

Mr Kandiah added: “The technical name for this is xenophobia. All phobias are by definition irrational. Nevertheless, they have a huge impact. Over the past year, xenophobia has fuelled angry protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers, deepening divisions in our communities.”

Mr Jenrick later accused the broadcaster of smearing “millions of worried citizens as ‘xenophobic’ for their completely understandable fears”.