The Green Party has accused the BBC of creating a “hostile environment” for immigrants by publishing online an investigation that found asylum seekers could purchase falsified evidence that they were gay to bolster their claims.
The party, which wants to pursue a “welcoming” migration policy, said the corporation gave an “entirely false impression” of Britain’s asylum system.
“We are disappointed the BBC failed to put this report in context, showing the challenges those genuinely claiming asylum face,” it said.
“When they give so much prominence to the report, stretching it out over multiple days of reporting, it ceases to be in the public interest and instead serves to heighten the hostile environment facing those claiming asylum.
“Of course, applications for people seeking asylum must operate under a proper legal framework, but this report gives an entirely false impression of a system that is, in reality, stacked against people.”
The BBC investigation, published earlier this week, found an adviser allegedly promising to create fake evidence — including a fraudulent letter from a supposed sexual partner and letters of support from an LGBT organisation — to ensure clients could stay in the country.
The adviser told an undercover reporter: “There are a lot of organisations here where there are people like you who are not gay but are applying for the visa. You are not alone.”
On a recording she promised to help him prepare for a lengthy Home Office interview and memorise a false story, adding: “I will fully prepare you for the interview by compiling a comprehensive package for you, including photographs of you at clubs, various other pieces of supporting evidence, an organisational letter and additional letters of support, so that you are completely ready when I send you in.”
The government confirmed on Thursday it was investigating the BBC’s reports to ensure “anyone potentially abusing our immigration system is held accountable”.
In response to the Greens’ comments, Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, told the Daily Mail: “The Green Party do not understand the immigration crisis. Repeatedly they ignore the concerns of the public and want a world without borders. It is an extreme, dangerous fantasy. Vote Green, get chaos.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “Our undercover investigation into immigration advisers uncovered serious wrongdoing which, as we state in our reporting, has a negative impact on the whole asylum system and exploits those seeking asylum for profit. There is a clear public interest in reporting abuses of the system and possible illegal activity, and our reporting has prompted a government investigation.”
