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.
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
Meanwhile, two more presenters have withdrawn from their shows.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.
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