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BBC Defends Dover Question Time Audience After Reform UK Alleges 'Planted' Small-Boat Migrants

The broadcaster says a local, mixed audience included two people with refugee status during an immigration special that drew heated on-air exchanges.

Overview

  • Reform UK's Zia Yusuf claimed the BBC placed multiple people who arrived by small boat in the audience, a charge the corporation did not substantiate.
  • The BBC said more than 20 local audience members took part and confirmed that two participants had direct asylum-system experience and had been granted refugee status.
  • The Dover programme focused solely on immigration and featured Mike Tapp, Kieran Mullan, Daisy Cooper, Zack Polanski and Zia Yusuf on the panel.
  • Nigel Farage later attacked the BBC over the episode and demanded an apology, accusing the broadcaster of double standards.
  • An Afghan audience member, identified as Ashraf, described being refused asylum in several European countries before reaching the UK, prompting Yusuf to say a Reform government would deport those who entered illegally.