Nigel Farage has intensified his criticism of the BBC, claiming that Thursday night's edition of Question Time was an 'absolute set-up job' after two audience members who arrived in the UK via small boats were featured. The Reform UK leader accused the programme of being 'utterly discredited' for giving a platform to individuals he described as having 'illegally come into Britain by boat'.
The episode, filmed in Dover and focused on immigration, included Reform UK's policy chief Zia Yusuf among the panellists. Farage, who presents a show on GB News, alleged that one of the audience members was wearing an earpiece, though this was later identified as a pair of headphones he forgot to remove. The two individuals are understood to have been granted refugee status, meaning they have a legal right to remain in the UK.
A BBC spokeswoman defended the programme, stating: 'As immigration continues to be a primary concern for people in the UK, Question Time held a special episode in Dover with panellists from across the political spectrum and a local audience with a range of views and experiences.' She confirmed that over 20 audience members participated, including two with direct experience of the asylum system who have been granted refugee status.
Farage's latest attack follows previous complaints about BBC 'double standards', including a tirade over historical TV shows such as Are You Being Served? and It Ain't Half Hot Mum. He demanded an apology for content aired during the 1970s and 1980s, amid questions about alleged racist remarks during his schooldays at Dulwich College.
