Theologian in Jenrick row offers olive branch

The theologian who accused Robert Jenrick of xenophobia on the BBC has invited the shadow justice minister to work with him to ease tensions over migration rather than "ramping up anti-immigrant sentiment".

- Diane Taylor Peter Walker

Dr Krish Kandiah's comments on Radio 4's Thought for the Day about Jenrick's remarks about the safety of his daughters because of small boat arrivals, caused a row after a complaint from the shadow justice secretary, with the item being retrospectively edited by the BBC.

Kandiah expressed concern about the current atmosphere relating to migration and said he was extending an olive branch to Jenrick in the hope that the two men could work together on the issue.

The initial remarks by Kandiah, who heads the Sanctuary Foundation, a refugee charity, prompted an angry response from Jenrick. The BBC said it had removed "some of the language used" by Kandiah from a version of Thought for the Day posted online, saying it was not appropriate for the faith-based radio segment.

In his statement, Kandiah said: "Mr Jenrick, I want your daughters and mine to be able to walk down the road safely and without fear. I worked with you when you were housing minister and the UK welcomed over 200,000 people from Hong Kong.

"I was grateful for your support and compassion during that time.