Immigration Street cut short after locals protest against Channel 4's Benefit Street spin-off
The six-episode run was shortened after angry residents disrupted filming
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Channel 4 has been forced to cut Benefits Street spin-off Immigration Street after angry protests by residents.
The planned six-episode run has been shortened in the wake of disruptions on set last week, during which locals of Southampton’s Derby Road demanded a change of title and for a preview to be sent to police.
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition against Immigration Street, arguing that it could ignite “racially-motivated violence” and fuel prejudice with its “sensationalist broadcasting”.
Furthermore, a group of Southampton residents travelled to Channel 4’s London headquarters for a demonstration on Saturday.
Channel 4 has defended its series, insisting that as immigration is “one of the most fiercely debated issues in Britain today”, it is “vital that as a public service broadcast [it] makes programmes about such topics”.
"The number of episodes of a series can change between commissioning and transmission for a number of reasons,” a spokesperson said.
“In the case of Immigration Street, while there were residents on Derby Road in Southampton who wanted to share their stories others on the street were determined to hinder filming.
"Because of the disruption this caused, Immigration Street will now be shorter than the initially planned six episodes.”
The broadcaster added that despite objections from some locals, the programme will be aired in the next few weeks because “immigration is too important an issue for debate about it to be silenced”.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Channel 4 first announced the series with a synopsis promising to “capture life on a street in Southampton where the mix of residents has been transformed over time and continues to evolve as a result of immigration”.
Last year’s Benefits Street attracted more than 1,700 complaints from viewers criticising the negative portrayal of those who claim benefits.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments