Gary Lineker Stands Firm on Criticism of Government’s Migrant Policy and BBC Role
The former English striker has compared the language used to introduce the government’s new policy to that of 1930s Germany. His remarks have sparked a debate over whether or not he adhered to the BBC’s guidelines for impartiality.
Gary Lineker, the host of Match Of The Day, told reporters outside his London home that he stands by his criticism of the government’s asylum seeker policy and that he does not fear suspension by the BBC.
The 62-year-old former England striker has been criticized by Conservative Party members for comparing the language used to launch the policy to 1930s Germany.
It has sparked a debate as to whether or not he adhered to the BBC’s impartiality guidelines.
As he walked to a waiting car this morning after being approached by reporters, Lineker said, “Yes, I would like to say something and a very good morning to you.”
As he rounded the back of the vehicle, he responded “no” when asked if he feared being suspended due to his tweets.
Then, as he climbed into the rear passenger seat, he responded to a reporter’s question about whether he had spoken with the BBC by stating, “I’m constantly speaking with the BBC.”
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When asked if he had spoken with the director general, he responded, “yes,” followed by, “He said… well, we chat frequently.”
Before the door was closed, he was asked whether he regretted his tweet. When asked if he stood by his answer, he stated, “Of course.”
The retired football player is a freelance broadcaster for the BBC, not a full-time employee. Since he is not responsible for the news or political content, he is exempt from the same impartiality requirements as other employees.
He had shared the home secretary’s Twitter video in which she revealed government plans to stop migrant boats from crossing the Channel.
He wrote, “Good God, this is beyond awful.”
In another tweet, Lineker stated, “There is no massive influx. We accept significantly fewer refugees than other major European nations.
“This is an unfathomably cruel policy aimed at the most vulnerable people, expressed in a language not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 1930s, and I’m out of order?”
Home Secretary Suella Braverman stated on ITV’s Good Morning Britain that she was “extremely disappointed” and that Lineker’s remarks were “irresponsible.”
In the meantime, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer stated that the BBC must maintain impartiality to “maintain the trust of those who pay the license fee.”
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Ms. Frazer added, “As someone whose grandmother fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s, I find it extremely disappointing and inappropriate to compare government immigration policy to the events of the 1930s in Germany.”
She added, “The BBC is operationally independent, and I’m pleased that the BBC will contact Gary Lineker to remind him of his social media responsibilities.”
Gregory Campbell, a DUP representative, also criticized the presenter, dubbing him a “lefty Lineker.”
Mr. Campbell stated in the House of Commons, “Will she [the culture secretary] meet again with the director general to ensure that the BBC reviews the contracts of well-known multimillionaire lefty Lineker, who presents himself as a sports presenter with very scandalous views about government policy, and decides whether he is a sports presenter or a political pundit and whether he should be paid approximately £1.3 million less than he is currently paid from the public purse?”
Meanwhile, Piers Morgan, host of TalkTV, is among the media figures who have come out in support of Lineker.
Labour MP Clive Efford asked in the House of Commons on Thursday morning, about revelations that BBC chairman Richard Sharp played a role in securing an £800,000 loan for Boris Johnson, “Which is the greater evidence of political bias: Gary Lineker criticizing the government’s language on his private Twitter account, or the chairman of the BBC donating to the Conservative Party?”
Roger Mosey, a former BBC director, has stated that his sympathies lie with Gary Lineker, but that impartiality is the best policy for the organization’s presenters.
He told Times Radio, “Personally, my sympathies are on Gary’s side of this argument, and I don’t like that the Tory right is attacking Gary or wanting him fired; I have less sympathy for that.”
