Gary Lineker

LONDON — The BBC will remind host Gary Lineker “of his responsibilities on social media” after the footballer-turned-TV-presenter angered Conservatives with ...

“Instead of lecturing, Mr Lineker should stick to reading out the football scores and flogging crisps.” The corporation’s complaints unit A spokesperson for the U.K. But addressing the issue was, they stressed, a matter for the BBC, and the spokesperson said they were not aware of any formal complaint from the government to the broadcaster. Lineker claimed that the language used announcing the bill was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s,” a parallel that prompted an immediate backlash from Tory MPs. prime minister said it was “disappointing” to see Lineker take aim at the plan, and brought up the fact the star’s salary is funded through the BBC license fee.

Tory MPs have criticised the Match of the Day host after he spoke out about the Illegal Migrants Bill.

"Instead of lecturing, Mr Lineker should stick to reading out the football scores and flogging crisps." A spokesperson for the corporation said: "The BBC has social media guidance, which is published. can affect perceptions of the BBC's impartiality". Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media. I'll continue to tweet what I like and if folk disagree with me then so be it." I think it's unhelpful to compare our measures, which are lawful, proportionate and - indeed - compassionate, to 1930s Germany. He has also been critical of successive Conservative governments over issues including Brexit. Following the comments, the home secretary told BBC One's Breakfast: "I'm disappointed, obviously. to yourself", Lineker responded: "I'm the face of my own Twitter account. "This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I'm out of order?" Lineker said the language in which the plan was set out was "not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s". The BBC has impartiality guidelines and the corporation said Lineker was being "spoken to" about his responsibilities.

Jonathan Gullis, the Tory MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, urged the BBC to “stand up” to Mr Lineker and “remind him his job is to talk football, not politics”.

Lineker is out of order and needs to get out of his metropolitan bubble.” A spokesperson for the corporation said: “The BBC has social media guidance, which is published. Instead of lecturing, Mr Lineker should stick to reading out the football scores and flogging crisps.” Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media. “Gary Lineker is paid for by the British taxpayer.” Craig Mackinlay, Tory MP for South Thanet, said the BBC should sack Mr Lineker.

The Match Of The Day host, 62, criticised the government's Illegal Migration Bill as "immeasurably cruel" and compared language used to announce it as "not ...

Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media. I'll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. I want to thank each and every one of you. [Russia](https://news.sky.com/topic/russia-5803) and the [Conservative Party](https://news.sky.com/topic/conservatives-5699). Anything going on?" On that occasion, the complaints team ruled that although Lineker was not a journalist, he had an additional responsibility for impartiality under the BBC's guidance which states high standards apply to those "who nevertheless have an additional responsibility to the BBC because of their profile on the BBC". "Gary Lineker is paid for by the British taxpayer and it's disappointing that he is so far out of step with the British public." "This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I'm out of order?" [Suella Braverman](https://news.sky.com/topic/suella-braverman-10421) told ITV's Good Morning Britain she was "very disappointed" after [Lineker](https://news.sky.com/topic/gary-lineker-7610) said the "immeasurably cruel policy" had been directed at "the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s". The Match Of The Day host, 62, criticised the government's Illegal Migration Bill as "immeasurably cruel" and compared language used to announce it as "not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s". A BBC source told the Press Association news agency that the corporation is taking the matter of Lineker's initial tweets "seriously" and expects to have a "frank conversation" with the 62-year-old former England striker. Gary Lineker has said it is "great to see the freedom of speech champions come out in force" after the home secretary branded his comments about the government's new asylum policy as "irresponsible".

The Match Of The Day host will be “reminded of his responsibilities on social media” by the BBC.

A BBC source told The Daily Telegraph: “Gary will be spoken to and reminded of his responsibilities on social media.” The Match Of The Day host will be “reminded of his responsibilities on social media” by the corporation following the tweet reply, according to the Daily Telegraph. “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”

Lineker commented on a Twitter video put out by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, in which she unveiled government plans to stop migrant boats crossing the ...

This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) There is no huge influx. “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”

Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick have both criticised the Match Of The Day presenter.

Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media. GMB presenter Susanna Reid also grilled Ms Braverman after the minister said there is “likely billions” of migrants “eager” to come to the UK, saying: “On what planet is that likely and how is that not inflammatory language?” A BBC source told the PA news agency that the corporation is taking the matter “seriously” and expects to have a “frank conversation” with the 62-year-old.

Lineker commented on a Twitter video put out by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, in which she unveiled government plans to stop migrant boats crossing the ...

A BBC source told The Telegraph: “Gary will be spoken to and reminded of his responsibilities on social media.” The Match Of The Day host will be “reminded of his responsibilities on social media” by the corporation following a tweet reply he sent on Tuesday, the Telegraph reported. “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?” “It's plain for anyone to see that the British people have had enough of this situation of thousands of people coming here illegally at huge cost to the taxpayer and undermining our laws, and, in fact, British generosity. [ary Lineker](/topic/gary-lineker) will reportedly be given a talking-to by the [BBC](/topic/bbc) following a [social media ](/topic/social-media) [post](/topic/post) in which he appeared to compare [Home Office](/topic/home-office) policy to [Nazi](/topic/nazi) [Germany](/topic/germany). The Match Of The Day host will reportedly be ‘reminded of his responsibilities on social media’ by the BBC following the post on Tuesday

Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick have both criticised the Match Of The Day presenter.

Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media. GMB presenter Susanna Reid also grilled Ms Braverman after the minister said there is “likely billions” of migrants “eager” to come to the UK, saying: “On what planet is that likely and how is that not inflammatory language?” Ms Braverman said the numbers were based on UN estimates of displaced people throughout the world, but Reid said it is a “fact” that only tens of thousands of migrants are coming to the UK on small boats. “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s.” A BBC source told the PA news agency the corporation is taking the matter “seriously” and expects to have a “frank conversation” with the 62-year-old. On Tuesday, Lineker wrote on Twitter about a Home Office video in which Ms Braverman unveiled the Government’s plans to stop migrants crossing the Channel on small boats and said the UK is being “overwhelmed”.

The Match Of The Day host compared the government's plans to stop migrant boats crossing the Channel to Nazi Germany.

“As I’ve made clear, we are working very hard to ensure that people stop dying on the channel – that’s what this is about. I don’t think that’s an appropriate way of framing the debate. Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media. A BBC source also told the PA news agency that the BBC is taking the matter “seriously” and expects to have a “frank conversation” with Gary about his tweets. [BBC](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/bbc/) is to have a “frank conversation” with [Gary Lineker](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/gary-lineker/) over tweets he posted comparing [the government’s plans regarding immigration](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/uk-illegally-access-modern-slavery-system_uk_64079be6e4b0e0a15960ed27) to Nazi Germany, according to reports. [the Telegraph quoted a “BBC source”](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/gary-lineker-suella-braverman_uk_6407cadee4b0dfe63210ce01) who said that Gary would be “reminded of his responsibilities on social media” by the corporation.

Lineker commented on a Twitter video put out by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, in which she unveiled government plans to stop migrant boats crossing the ...

This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) There is no huge influx. “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”

Tory MPs have criticised the Match of the Day host after he spoke out about the Illegal Migrants Bill.

"Instead of lecturing, Mr Lineker should stick to reading out the football scores and flogging crisps." A spokesperson for the corporation said: "The BBC has social media guidance, which is published. can affect perceptions of the BBC's impartiality". Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media. I'll continue to tweet what I like and if folk disagree with me then so be it." I think it's unhelpful to compare our measures, which are lawful, proportionate and - indeed - compassionate, to 1930s Germany. He has also been critical of successive Conservative governments over issues including Brexit. Following the comments, the home secretary told BBC One's Breakfast: "I'm disappointed, obviously. to yourself", Lineker responded: "I'm the face of my own Twitter account. "This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I'm out of order?" Lineker said the language in which the plan was set out was "not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s". The BBC has impartiality guidelines and the corporation said Lineker was being "spoken to" about his responsibilities.

Gary Lineker will be spoken to by BBC bosses following a tweet in which he compared Home Office policy to Nazi Germany.

Gary Lineker will “step back” from presenting Match Of The Day until he and the BBC have reached an... BREAKING: Ian Wright and Alan Shearer pull out of Match of the Day after BBC tell Gary Lineker to stand down The Match Of The Day host will be “reminded of his responsibilities on social media” after he replied to a video of Suella Braverman unveiling her plan to stop Channel migrant boats the Channel.

Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email ... Gary Lineker has hit back at "free speech champions" who demand "silence from those with whom they disagree” after ...

“I want to thank each and every one of you. “Gary Lineker is paid for by the British taxpayer.” “We live in a free country, and with free speech comes the right to sometimes offend,” Mr Anderson adds. I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. Instead of lecturing, Mr Lineker should stick to reading out the football scores and flogging crisps.” Ms Braverman, speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, said it would be a betrayal of British voters not to tackle Channel crossings.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman and immigration minister Robert Jenrick have both criticised the Match Of The Day presenter.

Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media. GMB presenter Susanna Reid also grilled Ms Braverman after the minister said there is “likely billions” of migrants “eager” to come to the UK, saying: “On what planet is that likely and how is that not inflammatory language?” Ms Braverman said the numbers were based on UN estimates of displaced people throughout the world, but Reid said it is a “fact” that only tens of thousands of migrants are coming to the UK on small boats. “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s.” A BBC source told the PA news agency the corporation is taking the matter “seriously” and expects to have a “frank conversation” with the 62-year-old. On Tuesday, Lineker wrote on Twitter about a Home Office video in which Ms Braverman unveiled the Government’s plans to stop migrants crossing the Channel on small boats and said the UK is being “overwhelmed”.

The BBC are set to hold talks with Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker after he described the government's new Illegal Migration Bill "beyond awful" on ...

[Everton](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/everton-fc) legend Peter Reid is among those to show their support to Lineker on Wednesday morning, as more than 12,500 people have already liked his "freedom of speech" tweet. The [BBC](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bbc), who remain impartial on political matters, are set to [hold talks with Lineker](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/gary-lineker-suella-braverman-bill-29400190) over his social media "responsibilities". More than 53,000 people liked his initial tweet in response to the news. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s." I want to thank each and every one of you. Asked whether Lineker should resign or be sacked, Braverman said, "That's a matter for the BBC and they will resolve that." He tweeted, "I have never known such love and support in my life than I’m getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly). I also think that we are on the side of the British people here." "I think it's unhelpful to compare our measures, which are lawful, proportionate and - indeed - compassionate, to 1930s Germany. Braverman announced the Illegal Migration Bill on Tuesday. The bill has been heavily criticised since its announcement. Lineker, who has presented the BBC's flagship football show for more than two decades, also hit back at his critics.

So the BBC, which sees nothing wrong in having a chairman who made huge donations to the Tory Party, and who helped Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan, is ...

On the 3Ps, at his “stop the boats” press conference and in his exchanges with Keir Starmer in the Commons, he showed himself to be just as bad as his predecessors. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ‘30s, and I’m out of order?” “He described how people – victims, perpetrators and witnesses – can gradually become desensitised to the exclusion, the stigmatisation and the alienation of those who have previously been friends. At the end of a passage about Anne Frank, I recall a speech by Camilla Parker Bowles at an Anne Frank Trust lunch in 2020. They all starred in the story of the rise of fascism. “Language not dissimilar to Germany in the 1930s,” says Lineker. The critics are usually the same people who claim that their right wing populism is motivated by a belief in “free speech” which “snowflakes” like Lineker want to deny them. Then, when the usual “stick to football” right wing snowflakes piled in on Twitter, Lineker added: “There is no huge influx. It’s as though “illegal” is there to describe the Bill, not the migrants who would now, whatever their story, be incarcerated and deported, though at this stage nobody, least of all Braverman, knows where or how. I don’t know whether the “speaking to” will be done by said chairman and close pal of Rishi Sunak, Richard Sharp. “Good heavens, this is awful,” he said of the home secretary’s video message about her new Illegal Migrants Bill. “I would love to stick to sport,” he said, “but I can’t.

The Match of the Day host was criticised for tweets he posted about the government's new asylum plan.

can affect perceptions of the BBC's impartiality". Mr Sharp insists he got the job on merit. He has also been critical of successive Conservative governments over issues including Brexit. [followed up shortly after with:](https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1633432528701779968?s=20) "I have never known such love and support in my life than I'm getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly). I want to thank each and every one of you. The corporation has also responded to previous criticism of Lineker by highlighting that he is not involved in its news or political output and is a freelance broadcaster, not a member of staff. The broadcaster's editorial guidelines state that the organisation is "committed to achieving due impartiality in all its output" and that "public comments, for example on social media, of staff [or] presenters... He added: "I think the BBC absolutely puts the highest value on impartiality and that's clearly important to us." "I also think that we are on the side of the British people here." The Match of the Day host had said the language setting out the plan was "not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s". The presenter described it on Twitter as an "immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s". Gary Lineker has said he will try to keep speaking up for people with "no voice", after criticism of his tweets on the government's asylum policy.

Gary Lineker has spoken out after reportedly facing a 'frank conversation' with the BBC after comparing Suella Braverman's asylum plans to '1930s…

I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. I want to thank each and every one of you. "I have never known such love and support in my life than I’m getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly). Before adding: "Great to see the freedom of speech champions out in force this morning demanding silence from those with whom they disagree. Anything going on?" [Gary Lineker](https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/23370642.bbc-gary-lineker-spoken-to-home-office-tweet/) said: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by [Germany](https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/22442110.england-v-germany-wembley-stadium-bag-policy-banned-items/) in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”

Julia Hartley Brewer has lead furious reaction to BBC presenter Gary Lineker after he compared the Government's migrant plan to Nazi Germany.

We’re going to break the business model of these people smugglers and enable us to secure our borders. That’s exactly what we intend to do. “That needs to stop, we need to take the necessary steps now to ensure that if you are coming here illegally you will be detained and you will be removed, and that’s what this Bill will do.” @GaryLineker finally jumps the shark. “We’re going to stop the boats. TalkTV's Mike Graham tweeted: "Oh dear.

Lineker is a sports presenter. He tweets on his personal Twitter account. If a news presenter commented, as he has done, about the government's asylum policies, ...

But in the end, what are the options? And, whatever the set up of the BBC as a broadcaster, with sport and news being distinct from one another, for audiences that distinction can be less clear. However, this is arguably a false equivalence. I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. It matters if the public believes its public service broadcaster doesn't represent their views, or that the BBC is shaped by a particular perspective. They say a "frank" conversation is being had with Lineker. I want to thank each and every one of you. As it navigates the demands of its editorial standards, its talent and its audiences, the BBC is walking a tightrope. I have never known such love and support in my life than I’m getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly). To his detractors, Lineker has form. [Skip twitter post by Gary Lineker 💙💛](#end-of-twitter-content-1) Lineker, as somebody associated with sport for the BBC, and who argues he is a freelancer, is in a different position.

Relevant too is the role such propaganda played in closing Britain's doors to Jews trying to flee Nazi Germany, with newspapers such as the Daily Mail ...

That’s up to labour movement media like the Morning Star of course — but the odd truth-bomb from an independent minded BBC presenter doesn’t hurt. Even so, No 10 was so incensed by BBC presenter Andrew Neil criticising ex-PM Johnson for being the only party leader not to turn up for a pre-election interview that it immediately threatened its funding. The state broadcaster exhibited consistent hostility to the Jeremy Corbyn leadership of Labour, The same double standard applies today: victims of war in Ukraine get airtime, those in Yemen do not. The famous footballer and presenter’s tweet has enraged Tory MPs, some of whom have called for him to be sacked. One is that quite a few of them are Tories.

The Home Secretary and several Tory MPs have criticised the Match of the Day presenter for saying the Government's new asylum policy 'is not dissimilar to that ...

“To liken our proposed robust yet fair new asylum policy which will save lives in the channel with the darkest period of human history founded on pure evil, is foul and disgraceful. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?” He needs to know that he can’t act with impunity. On Tuesday, Lineker tweeted that the policy set out by the Home Secretary was “beyond awful” and in a reply to someone responding, said: “There is no huge influx. Immigration minister Robert Jenrick told Times Radio: “My children are the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, and I think those sorts of words should not be thrown around lightly. I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice.

The BBC presenter compared the language used to launch the policy with 1930s Germany.

I think the BBC absolutely puts the highest value on impartiality and that’s clearly important to us.” Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media. Former Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis – who was reprimanded by the BBC for sharing a tweet the corporation viewed as “controversial” – said she thought it was “curious” the presenter was “free” to ask about Qatar’s human rights record during his World Cup coverage but not about the same issue in the UK. On Wednesday, Mr Davie told the BBC he had not spoken to Lineker, before being asked about how many “strikes” he has had on impartiality and social media. “But beyond that, it’s up to the BBC, who I think have said today that they’ll be having a conversation with Gary Lineker, and it’s not for me to comment further.” A BBC source told the PA news agency the corporation was taking the matter “seriously” and expects to have a “frank conversation” with Lineker.

Gary Lineker has spoken out after reportedly facing a 'frank conversation' with the BBC after comparing Suella Braverman's asylum plans to '1930s…

I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. I want to thank each and every one of you. "I have never known such love and support in my life than I’m getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly). Before adding: "Great to see the freedom of speech champions out in force this morning demanding silence from those with whom they disagree. Anything going on?" [Gary Lineker](https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/23370642.bbc-gary-lineker-spoken-to-home-office-tweet/) said: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by [Germany](https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/22442110.england-v-germany-wembley-stadium-bag-policy-banned-items/) in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”

Gary Lineker. The BBC is to have a “frank conversation” with Gary Lineker after the TV presenter came under fire from senior ministers for his comments comparing the language used to launch the Government's new asylum policy to 1930s Germany.

Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media. GMB presenter Susanna Reid also grilled Ms Braverman after the minister said there is “likely billions” of migrants “eager” to come to the UK, saying: “On what planet is that likely and how is that not inflammatory language?” Ms Braverman said the numbers were based on UN estimates of displaced people throughout the world, but Reid said it is a “fact” that only tens of thousands of migrants are coming to the UK on small boats. “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s.” A BBC source told the PA news agency the corporation is taking the matter “seriously” and expects to have a “frank conversation” with the 62-year-old. On Tuesday, Lineker wrote on Twitter about a Home Office video in which Ms Braverman unveiled the Government’s plans to stop migrants crossing the Channel on small boats and said the UK is being “overwhelmed”.

Good old Alastair Campbell has been out and about today, showing just why he was once such a valued spin doctor. The onetime master of the dark arts has ...

But Mr S thought it is worth noting that while Campbell no doubt genuinely supports Lineker’s opposition to Suella Braverman’s Bill – he is a Labour tribalist after all – Campbell does have an interest in Lineker’s fortunes. Given Campbell’s lightning-quick tendency to jump on any perceived Tory conflicts of interest, Mr S wonders if he will be pointing that out on his over-active Twitter feed. Good old Alastair Campbell has been out and about today, showing just why he was once such a valued spin doctor.

The BBC needs the presenter perhaps more than the former footballer needs the corporation. And that could define any punishment.

Lineker is involved in a [long-running legal case](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/feb/27/gary-linekers-lawyers-say-hmrc-tax-probe-looking-in-the-wrong-place) over whether he owes substantial back taxes relating to whether he should be classed as a freelance worker for the BBC and BT Sport for his work during the mid-2010s. But the BBC is damned if they do and damned if they don’t.” “But the BBC will probably have to suck it up as he doesn’t need them. “In that sense Gary Lineker is bigger than the BBC. The royal charter expires in 2027, although negotiations are unlikely to begin in earnest until after the next general election. To that end, an ultra-strict social media policy is now in force for news staff.

The Match of the Day host was criticised for tweets he posted about the government's new asylum plan.

can affect perceptions of the BBC's impartiality". Mr Sharp insists he got the job on merit. He has also been critical of successive Conservative governments over issues including Brexit. [followed up shortly after with:](https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1633432528701779968?s=20) "I have never known such love and support in my life than I'm getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly). I want to thank each and every one of you. The corporation has also responded to previous criticism of Lineker by highlighting that he is not involved in its news or political output and is a freelance broadcaster, not a member of staff. The broadcaster's editorial guidelines state the organisation is "committed to achieving due impartiality in all its output" and that "public comments, for example on social media, of staff [or] presenters... "I also think that we are on the side of the British people here." The Match of the Day host had said the language setting out the plan was "not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s". [ban people arriving in the UK illegally from ever claiming asylum](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64884435), in a bid to address a rise in the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats. The BBC said it was having a "frank conversation" with Lineker about the BBC's need to remain impartial. Gary Lineker has said he will try to keep speaking up for people with "no voice", after criticism of his tweets on the government's asylum policy.

There is much to be said for toning down rhetoric, but it can only start in one place. And that place is with the Tory party, not the presenter of Match of ...

The immigration minister also reckons that Lineker is “paid for by the British taxpayer [which isn’t true], and it’s disappointing that he is so far out of step with the British public.” It’s not necessarily all that clear whether Jenrick has thought very hard about whether he really wants to be suggesting that publicly funded salaries should somehow be index linked to being “in step with the British public”. If the home secretary writes execrable garbage in the newspapers, and repeats it in the House of Commons, about how “100 million people are coming here,” people are not merely entitled but obliged to show zero tolerance. It is their choice, for example, to frame their policy as a battle with human rights lawyers. But there are ways to go about it that don’t deliberately bear the hallmark of authoritarianism. He has described the asylum policy thus: “An immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.” You would also think that after nearly a full decade of frothing, they would have finally got round to understanding that BBC impartiality guidelines do not apply to freelance staff in the sports department. It wasn’t sufficient to stop Piers Morgan lovingly changing his social media profile pictures to photos of him and Trump with their arms round each other, and to write gushing columns about how great it felt to be called “the champ” by an unapologetic racist; not to mention a man who is [happy to wear a microphone and brag about sexually assaulting women](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trump-gets-caught-making-vulgar-comments-in-2005-a7351346.html). But rare is not the same as never. (Not long after the referendum, one right-wing newspaper columnist became so outraged by him that he publicly announced a ban on Walkers Crisps in his own household, which is totally normal behaviour.) There are no lessons to be learned here with the power of hindsight. And there are depositions filed in a New York court house that show [Uncle Rupert panicking that his own TV network, Fox News, “went too far” ](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/rupert-murdoch-trump-election-fox-news-dominion-b2296202.html)in indulging Trump’s deranged conspiracy theories about stolen elections. There is much to be said for toning down rhetoric, but it can only start in one place.

The Match of the Day host said he stands by his tweet that criticised the government's asylum policy.

Asked if he stood by the tweet, he said: "Course". He wrote on social media: "Happy that this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting [Match of the Day] on Saturday. He added that the policy was "full of fudge" and the BBC needed to clarify "to what extent impartiality rules extend beyond news". Ms Frazer said it was "important for the BBC to retain impartiality if it is to retain the trust of the public who pay the licence fee" but that the broadcaster is "operationally independent" of the government. Pressed on whether he had spoken to the BBC director general, he said he had and that they "chat often". It's been overwhelming."

The Match Of The Day host said he stood by his condemnation of government plans to stop migrant boats crossing the Channel.

[“continue to speak up”](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/gary-lineker-government-migrant-channel-crossings-criticism_uk_64088570e4b018d7c56e3bc8) on the subject. [would be spoken to ](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/bbc-gary-lineker-government-criticism-tweets-immigration_uk_640852c7e4b018d7c56dfdda)about his comments by his BBC bosses. [criticised by the home secretary](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/suella-braverman-condemns-gary-lineker-over-migrant-crackdown-nazi-row_uk_640845a3e4b0c62918df5e37), while a spokesperson for Rishi Sunak said: “It’s obviously disappointing to see someone whose salary is funded by hard-working British (licence-fee) payers using that kind of rhetoric and seemingly dismissing their legitimate concerns that they have about small boats crossings and illegal migration.” [Gary was defended by Labour leader Kier Starmer](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/keir-starmer-defends-gary-lineker-over-nazi-migrant-crackdown-row_uk_64089077e4b0bbbc6b30696e), however, whose representative said: “I think there is a general observation that I’d make, which is I think comparisons with Germany in the 1930s aren’t always the best way to make one’s argument. [Suella Braverman](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/suella-braverman) to launch the policy with Nazi Germany. [Gary Lineker](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/gary-lineker) has said he doesn’t fear suspension from the [BBC](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/bbc) over his tweets [criticising the government](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/gary-lineker-suella-braverman_uk_6407cadee4b0dfe63210ce01) over its [migrant crackdown](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/exclusive-suella-braverman-admits-immigration-crackdown-may-not-be-legal_uk_64072e62e4b0586db70fd939). However, Gary is a freelance broadcaster for the BBC, not a permanent member of staff, and is not responsible for news or political content, so does not need to adhere to the same rules on impartiality.

Match of the Day presenter says he doesn't fear being suspended by BBC for comparing language used to that in 1930s Germany.

Staff were told they needed to follow editorial guidelines and editorial oversight in the same way as when doing BBC content. “What if he was tweeting ‘Brexit is working, Suella Braverman is right, refugees should go back to Calais’?,” said Mosey, speaking to Times Radio. If you receive £1.4m from the BBC, you need to abide by the BBC’s rules.” In a tweet on Thursday, Lineker suggested he was not facing any sanction or suspension. Lineker told reporters he did not. “Happy that this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting [Match of the Day] on Saturday.

Director-general will have to fire star unless 'this is the end of it', says former editorial boss.

I think the BBC absolutely puts the highest value on impartiality and that’s clearly important to us.” “People who feel strongly should be able to speak out and say the things that they feel,” she said. A BBC source said that the corporation was taking the matter “seriously” and expects to have a “frank conversation” with the ex-England striker.

'Great to see the freedom of speech champions out in force this morning demanding silence from those with whom they disagree'

"We both have strong opinions, we both believe in what we say and we express them forcefully, but we agree to disagree. He’s a celebrity and a public figure, his eight and a half million followers want to know what he thinks about stuff. We get into it quite regularly, this is what he does and he would say the same about me,” he said. So it's wonderful to see the love and support for He said he had “never known such love and support in my life than I’m getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly)”, adding: “I want to thank each and every one of you. Former countdown host and Denbighshire local Carol Vorderman has doubled down on defending Gary Lineker over his comments comparing the current Conservative government to "Germany in the 30s". An unlikely supporter was Piers Morgan, who is known to clash occasionally with Lineker online. Former Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis – who was reprimanded by the BBC for sharing a Tweet that the corporation viewed as “controversial” – said she thought it was “curious” the presenter was “free” to ask about Qatar’s human rights record during his World Cup coverage but not about the same issue in the UK. He wrote: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful." I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. Match of the Day's presenter, Lineker, responded to a video message by the home secretary, Suella Braverman, about stopping people crossing the Channel in small boats. “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”

However, support has come from media figures including Piers Morgan and Sky News commentator Adam Boulton. Eurovision 2023 Director-general of the BBC Tim Davie ...

She said: “I think it is, from a personal point of view… well, we chat often”. “And in the case of presenters – and Gary’s the face of the World Cup and he’s the face of Match Of The Day – it clearly would be better for the BBC if he wasn’t on one side of the referendum debate and if he wasn’t criticising current serving politicians.” However, support has come from media figures including Piers Morgan and Sky News commentator Adam Boulton. Speaking in the Commons earlier on Thursday, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said it is important for the BBC to maintain impartiality if it is to “retain the trust of the public who pay the licence fee”. It came as the Culture Secretary described the Match Of The Day presenter’s comments as “disappointing and inappropriate” and said it is important for the BBC to maintain impartiality if it is to “retain the trust of the public who pay the licence fee”.

Former England striker Gary Lineker has faced criticism from members of the Conservative party after comparing the language used to launch the policy with ...

Before closing the door, he was asked if he regretted his tweet. well we chat often". He responded "no" and when asked if he stood by it he said "course". Then as he climbed into the rear passenger seat, he responded to a reporter asking if he has spoken to the BBC, saying: "I'm always talking to the BBC." As he passed round the back of the vehicle, he said "no" when asked if he fears suspension over his tweets. Former England striker Gary Lineker has faced criticism from members of the Conservative party after comparing the language used to launch the policy with 1930s Germany; it has sparked a row over whether he has adhered to the BBC's impartiality rules

Gary Lineker is refusing to be silenced after comparing the Government's plan to stop migrant boats to 1930s Germany.

I think the BBC absolutely puts the highest value on impartiality and that’s clearly important to us.” Gary Lineker has told reporters outside his London home that he stands by his criticism of the... “Gary got a bit carried away, as he tends to do. Tom Hunt MP tweeted: "Respectfully I think you might be seeing/hearing what you want to. "I want to thank each and every one of you. Jeremy Corbyn MP also defended Lineker, tweeting: "Well done Gary.

Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker has told reporters outside his London home that he stands by his criticism of the government's asylum seeker policy ...

[Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts](https://podfollow.com/skynewsdaily) Before closing the door, he was asked if he regretted his tweet. His remarks have sparked a row over whether he adhered to the BBC's impartiality guidelines. well we chat often." Asked if he had spoken to the director general, he said, after a pause, "yeah" before adding: "He said... As he passed round the back of the vehicle, he said "no" when asked if he fears suspension over his tweets.