Gary Lineker has responded after he sparked backlash when he seemed to compare the UK’s plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel to Nazi Germany.
Lineker, 62, commented on a Twitter video put out by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, in which she unveiled Government plans to stop migrant boats crossing the Channel to which he said was “beyond awful”.
After criticising the plan, he then responded to a tweet that his comments had been “out of order”, saying: “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?”
Following the outcry, Lineker criticised those seemingly protecting “freedom of speech”, adding: “Great to see the freedom of speech champions out in force this morning demanding silence from those with whom they disagree.”
Great to see the freedom of speech champions out in force this morning demanding silence from those with whom they disagree. 👊🏻
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 8, 2023
Before later saying: “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. It means a lot. I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. Cheers all.”
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. It means a lot. I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. Cheers all. 👊🏻
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 8, 2023
After he made comments regarding the immigration plan, The Match Of The Day host will be reportedly be “reminded of his responsibilities on social media” by the broadcaster, the Telegraph reported.
While some backed the outspoken presenter, his comments were condemned by several Tory politicians, who urged the BBC to take action.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman told the BBC: “I'm disappointed, obviously. I think it's unhelpful to compare our measures, which are lawful, proportionate and — indeed — compassionate, to 1930s Germany.
“I also think that we are on the side of the British people here.
'It's unhelpful to compare our measures to 1930s Germany'
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) March 8, 2023
On #BBCBreakfast Home Secretary Suella Braverman criticised Gary Lineker after he tweeted about the Government's asylum policyhttps://t.co/vUlRBwWLG0 pic.twitter.com/ySUULjAa7w
“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.
“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."
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick added: “Gary Lineker is paid for by the British [licence fee payer]. It’s disappointing that he’s so far out of step with the British public.”
A spokesperson for the corporation added: “The BBC has social media guidance, which is published.
“Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media. We have appropriate internal processes in place if required.”
Under the BBC’s editorial guidelines, the broadcaster states that it sets out “to achieve due impartiality in all its output”.
After becoming chairman of the BBC, Tim Davie unveiled a 10-point impartiality plan to raise standards and eliminate claims of bias.
In October, Lineker was found to have breached impartiality guidelines following a tweet about Russia and the Conservative Party.
