Oxford University has finally released a much stronger statement about Professor Andrew Wilkie’s bigoted rejection of an Israeli postgraduate candidate—and wonder of wonders, even the BBC is forced to cover it: Israel row professor apologises. (Hat tip: Tom Gross.)

An Oxford professor accused of rejecting a student because he was Israeli faces an “immediate and thorough investigation” by university authorities.

The university has issued a tough statement that “under no circumstances” would it allow discrimination on grounds of nationality - and the professor at the centre of the row has apologised for his “wholly inappropriate” comments.

Pathology professor Andrew Wilkie has been accused of rejecting an application from an Israeli student on the grounds that the professor opposed the Israeli government’s policy towards the Palestinians.

In response, the university says that the vice-chancellor will receive the findings of an inquiry into the allegations this week - with the possibility of action to be taken against Professor Wilkie.