Cracker writer says BBC is a ‘racist institution’

The BBC reacted swiftly yesterday after Cracker writer Jimmy McGovern accused the Corporation of being “one of the most racist institutions in England” during a live interview on one of its flagship radio stations.

The TV Bafta award-winning screenwriter was being interviewed about his first stage play in 20 years, King Cotton.

The drama has its world premiere next month as part of commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade.