View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

Sister of Alice Gross condemns ‘extremely insensitive’ reference to death in BBC Question Time debate on immigration

By PA Mediapoint

The sister of Alice Gross has criticised BBC's Question Time after it featured a discussion related to the case.

Nina Gross described the inclusion on the show of a debate concerning immigration issues arising from the investigation into the 14-year-old's death as "extremely insensitive" and "horrible".

She wrote on Twitter: "It is extremely insensitive to use my family's tragedy for political agendas and discussion. This is a time of grief for our family. In future, please respect our wishes as we grieve.

"This is a personal tragedy which we want to deal with privately, rather than fearing anyone using it for any political agenda.

"Now is not the time for these discussions."

In later posts directed at BBC Twitter accounts, she added: "It is really insensitive and horrible that you have used our family's tragedy on Question Time."

Question Time later apologised.

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

A post from the show's Twitter account said: "Dear Nina, we're sorry to hear this. We're really sorry for any hurt or offence caused by tonight's programme."

She replied: "Thank you."

Latvian Arnis Zalkalns was identified as a suspect by police searching for the schoolgirl before her body was found in the River Brent in west London on Tuesday, prompting them to launch a murder investigation.

He served seven years in prison in his native country for bludgeoning and stabbing his wife Rudite to death. He is thought to have come to the UK in 2007 but there have been questions about whether UK authorities had any record of his conviction.

Introducing the discussion, Question Time host David Dimbleby said a question was submitted to the panel referring to the "hideous murder of Alice Gross".

He said: "The question is whether there should be freedom of movement including convicted criminals across EU borders."

A discussion lasting around eight minutes followed.

Topics in this article : , ,

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network