March 11, 2023
2 mins read

BBC, Tories Wither As Team Lineker Flexes Muscles

The controversy cast a shadow over a migration agreement between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron, with the BBC being accused of caving to political pressure.

BBC has suspended the former England football captain Gary Lineker after a controversy around his comments on UK’s migration policy caused a rift between the UK government and the prominent presenter.

On Friday, the BBC stated that there must be an agreed-upon position regarding his use of social media before he can resume his duties. According to BBC Director General Tim Davie, the decision was a “proportionate action.”

The controversy cast a shadow over a migration agreement between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron, with the BBC being accused of caving to political pressure.

The opposition Labour party criticised the BBC’s move, claiming that “Gary Lineker off-air is an assault on free speech in the face of political pressure.”

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also denounced the BBC’s decision as “indefensible.” The Department for Culture, Media and Sport stated that “Individual cases are a matter for the BBC.”

In yet another development, while the BBC attempted to find a replacement host for Match of the Day, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer announced they were pulling out of the show in solidarity, the Guardian reported.

With the BBC struggling to find presenters, pundits or commentators for Match of the Day, it was announced the show would go ahead with only the match highlights being shown, it was reported.

Meanwhile, two more presenters have withdrawn from their shows. Alex Scott announced on Saturday morning that she has stepped down from presenting Football Focus, and shortly after, Jason Mohammad, the presenter of Final Score, followed suit. The BBC has replaced both of these shows on their TV schedule.

Meanwhile, former BBC director general Greg Dyke has said the BBC has undermined its own credibility with its decision to stand Gary Lineker down because it will be viewed as having bowed to government pressure, Guardian reported.

Earlier this week, the UK government has announced details of a new law that would prevent migrants arriving in small boats across the Channel from claiming asylum and deport them back to their homeland or to so-called safe third countries.

The law has drawn widespread criticism from opposition parties, charities, and the United Nations refugee agency for its impact on genuine refugees seeking asylum.

Lineker, who has previously hosted refugees in his home, retweeted a post featuring a video of Home Secretary Suella Braverman discussing the law. He commented on the tweet: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”

He also said the policy is “immeasurably cruel” and directed at vulnerable individuals, with language reminiscent of the 1930s Germany.

The controversy has raised questions about the British government’s approach to immigration policy, the rights of refugees, and the impact of such policies on vulnerable individuals.

ALSO READ: EU warns UK asylum plan

Previous Story

Bilawal stumbles over word “friend” while referring to India

Next Story

India, Australia eye $100bn bilateral trade

Latest from -Top News

Multi-alignment, upgraded

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europe’s harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with

India-EU Trade Deal Breakthrough Soon?

Negotiators report increased momentum in discussions, which have been given a boost from US President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive…reports Asian Lite News India and the European Union aim to finalise a trade

Europe Seeks Peace in Gaza

European countries condemn Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla, demand safety of citizens…reports Asian Lite News Israel’s interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked condemnation across Europe, with

GAZA: Egypt to Host Peace Talks

Egypt hopes the discussions will help “end the war and the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, which has continued for two consecutive years…reports Asian Lite News Egypt will host Israeli and

‘My Injuries Made Me’

During his four-year battle with injury, the incumbent fast bowling spearhead made occasional appearances but couldn’t bear the workload and demands of red-ball cricket….reports Asian Lite News England tearaway Jofra Archer believes
Go toTop

Don't Miss

BBC chief apologises for Bashir’s Diana interview

According to Variety, the Dyson report also found that Bashir

BBC temporarily halts reporting in Russia

The BBC has temporarily suspended its journalists’ work in Russia,