BBC Question Time audience member hits out at immigration fears being called 'far-right'

A BBC Question Time audience member hit out at left-wing politicians for branding concerns over immigration as "far-right". During last night's show in Belfast, the man asked: "Why do the Government and left-wing politicians continue to call concerned citizens far-right when the vast majority are just concerned about illegal immigration?"

In response, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn criticised Reform UK's plan to scrap indefinite leave to remain for migrants. He said: "Controlling migration is absolutely right and proper and something the Government is committed to which is why we're making changes to the immigration system. That is one thing, tightening up the rules for settlement and so on.

"It is completely different to say to people who've lived in this country for a long time, paid taxes, worked, contributed, that their right to remain in Britain could be taken away from them and they could be deported."

But the audience member replied: "The question was asked about concerned citizens, not about Reform, but about concerned citizens which there is a vast majority that are concerned about illegal immigration which I don't think you answered."

Host Fiona Bruce then said: "And do you think they are being wrongly referred to as far-right?"

The man replied: "Wrongly referred to as far-right as well as being ignored."

The Labour politician said: "I accept that there are many people who are concerned about migration, that is why the Government is taking a number of steps."

The presenter jumped in again and said: "Paul's point is that you feel they are being called far-right when in fact they are not."

Mr Benn said: "I don't accept that the Government is doing that. We've called out what Nigel Farage and Reform proposed but we're also making changes to the immigration system which I hope people will recognise as they unfold."