The BBC has denied that it has stifled free speech by suspending Robert Kilroy-Silk over an article in which he made anti-Arab comments.

The presenter's morning show has been taken off the air while the corporation holds an investigation.

Express newspapers, which published the article, argued that the former Labour MP had been gagged, a claim the BBC denied in a statement yesterday.

"In view of some newspaper coverage we would like to make it clear that the BBC defends and supports freedom of speech," it read.

"This has never been about freedom of speech. It is about how the job of a BBC presenter carries with it responsibilities about what is written and said publicly and how this may impact on their on-air role.

"The BBC needs to be seen to be impartial when dealing with topical and controversial issues."