Complaint
A headline about migrants crossing the English Channel said more than 300 people had arrived in Dover 鈥渋llegally in small boats鈥. A viewer complained the report failed to offering the counter view they were legal asylum seekers until such time as it had been established they did not have leave to enter the country. The ECU considered the complaint against the 大象传媒 Guidelines on Accuracy.
Outcome
The reference to people crossing the Channel 鈥渋濒濒别驳补濒濒测鈥 prompted the complainant to question which law they had broken. Section 40(2 (B1)) of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 states a person who (a) requires leave to enter the United Kingdom under this Act, and (b) knowingly enters the United Kingdom without such leave, commits an offence. The ECU recognised that this legislation was controversial and that political opponents of the legislation claimed it criminalised seeking asylum in the UK. But the line used in the broadcast reflected the current law and was therefore duly accurate.
Not upheld