BBC Education Site Removes Content on Migration and Net Zero After Criticism

The BBC has removed content from its education website, Bitesize, that faced accusations of promoting left-wing and progressive viewpoints on migration and climate change policies. The move follows a report that highlighted an online game on the Bitesize platform which reportedly rewarded players for selecting 'open borders' and offering amnesty to illegal migrants.

Senior BBC officials reportedly initiated a review after the material was brought to their attention. The content in question began to be removed from the Bitesize website early last week and was replaced with a message stating that the content was under review to ensure it remains up-to-date and in line with the curriculum. Additionally, a page featuring progressive political figures, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, was also removed.

Shadow education secretary Laura Trott had written to BBC director-general Matt Brittin, urging him to suspend or remove material that did not meet the BBC's impartiality standards. Danny Cohen, a former controller of BBC television, commented on the situation, stating that the removals were unsurprising given the breaches of impartiality and that the BBC should provide a transparent explanation for the content's initial inclusion and steps to prevent recurrence.

The Mail on Sunday also reported that the Bitesize website, which serves 1.7 million pupils weekly, had previously suggested that concerns about migrants taking jobs were 'prejudiced' and encouraged children to join Amnesty International. A BBC spokesperson acknowledged the trust placed in Bitesize by parents and teachers, stating that all content must be relevant and compliant with editorial guidelines, and that the examples were being reviewed in that context.