Press told to clean up its language

Journalists have been told by the press watchdog to end the use of
misleading language when writing about asylum seekers.

The Press Complaints Commission issued guidance last week that
stressed there is no such thing in law as an “illegal asylum
seeker”, after becoming concerned that parts of the media were
using incorrect terms to describe asylum seekers and
refugees.

Refugee Council chief executive Maeve Sherlock said: “We’re
delighted that the PCC has taken an interest in the asylum debate,
and has recognised the role it can play in improving media
coverage.”