The BBC has responded to claims made in a Guardian article that its coverage of al-Qaeda had been influenced by a Home Office counter-terrorism unit.

“The programme was called ‘al-Qaeda’s Enemy Within’ and explored how the war of ideas within the Jihadi movement is becoming as important as the military frontline,” explains Nicola Meyrick, executive editor of radio current affairs.

“Was it the result of a ‘push’ from RICU? Absolutely not. The truth couldn’t be more different.”