GB News criticised over Nigel Farage “Sikh-ing asylum” report
GB News and Nigel Farage have been criticised for their coverage which appears to show Sikh refugees in a boat crossing the sea to the UK.
The news report includes a TikTok video showing the refugees with an on-screen caption: “WTF…. SIKH ING ASYLUM”.
The Indian Council of Scotland and the Sikh Press Association have accused the news channel of “totally unacceptable” coverage.
The Indian Council of Scotland released the following statement: “This is totally unacceptable. We at the Indian Council of Scotland/UK would like to point out that the Sikh Indian community fought bravely in both World War 1 and 2 in which over 40-60k lives were lost and many more injured for the freedom of Great Britain.
“Sikhism is an integral part of Indian culture and roots stem from defending the way of life across India, such as Buddhism and Hinduism.”
In the report, Nigel Farage said: “This TikTok appeared this morning and yes, it’s a small boat crossing the English Channel.
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“You’ve been used in the past to the Albanians, this is a boat full of Sikhs. Yes, they’re all coming from India. What a good day out they’re having.
“Basically, it doesn’t matter where you come from in the world, it doesn’t matter whether you’ve got a legitimate claim to be a genuine refugee or not, it’s come on down, cross the English Channel, pay a trafficker and you will be allowed to stay.
“The whole thing is beyond a joke and even if they were to get the economy right, that issue alone could cost them the next general election.”
The Sikh Press Association have released the following statement on Twitter: “The Sikh Press Association is extremely concerned about the impact of a @GBNEWS segment by @Nigel_Farage demonising Sikhs.
“Such news segments, which push a rhetoric suggesting asylum seekers are to blame for government failures and societal issues, are always dangerous for minority communities. However, the distinctiveness of practicing Sikhs makes singling out the community particularly callous.”
