BBC 'guilty of peddling EU stereotypes'

A report on the BBC's coverage of the European Union is set to accuse the corporation of peddling stereotypes and telling stories from a purely British perspective.

The independent report is expected to criticise BBC coverage of the EU's expansion last May, saying it focused too heavily on immigration and ignored the benefits of opening borders.

It claims stations such as Radio 4 fail to cover EU issues in a simple enough manner, while Radio Five Live has better coverage because it is not afraid to explain the basics.

The report, drawn up by a panel chaired by former Cabinet Secretary Sir Richard Wilson, is one of several commissioned by BBC governors to look into its presentation of high-profile issues. It will be submitted to the board within days.

BBC chairman Michael Grade said last night: "We will publish the report in full and make sure that its recommendations are given serious consideration by management." He said the corporation should be willing to respond rapidly to justified criticism.