The BBC has removed a Thought for the Day segment from the Today programme after it claimed Christian charity founder Krish Kandiah accused Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick of xenophobia over comments on illegal immigration.
Mr Kandiah, who leads refugee charity The Sanctuary Foundation, told listeners that Mr Jenrick’s remarks in a newspaper interview could fuel “fear of the stranger” by suggesting illegal migrants may be a threat to his daughters’ safety. Mr Kandiah said: “The technical name for this is xenophobia.”
The excerpt from the Thought of the Day reads:
“A front page story in the Mail on Sunday quoted shadow justice minister Robert Jenrick talking about his fears for his young daughters. He said: “I certainly don’t want my children to share a neighborhood with men from backward countries who broke into Britain illegally and about whom we know next to nothing.” These words echo a fear many have absorbed. Fear of the stranger. The technical name for this is xenophobia. All phobias are by definition irrational. Nevertheless, they have a huge impact. It is understandable that many people are scared by the unknown, especially if they’ve been told illegality and unfairness are part of the story. However, over the past year, xenophobia has fueled angry protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers, deepening divisions in our communities."
Following the broadcast, Mr Jenrick criticised the comments on X, saying concern for children’s safety should not be equated with racism. The BBC later apologised to Mr Jenrick and said the xenophobia references would be removed before the programme was reinstated on BBC Sounds.
However, Mr Kandiah stands by his words. In a statement on X he said: “This is the original audio of the complete Thought for the Day. Take a listen and let me know what I am wrong about factually?”
This is the original audio of the complete Thought for the Day. Take a listen and let me know what I am wrong about factually? https://t.co/KY6sZ6mTCk
— Dr Krish Kandiah OBE (@krishk) August 13, 2025
According to the BBC, Thought for the Day is intended to offer reflections from a faith perspective on current events, often highlighting moral or spiritual insights rooted in religious teaching.
Premier Christian News has reached out to Mr Kandiah for a comment.
