After endorsing a movement advocating for the cancellation of the government’s proposal to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda, Gary Lineker has come under increased scrutiny.
He and other well-known people signed an open letter urging lawmakers to draft a “fair new plan for refugees.”.
Gary Lineker criticized over Rwanda comments in impartiality row
Grant Shapps, the defense secretary, questioned whether the Match of the Day presenter ought to voice political opinions.
Lineker stated that he had not disregarded the BBC’s social media policies, which were explained earlier this year.
The BBC also reported on Monday that Lineker did not take his most recent action on social media.
A spokeswoman for the BBC stated: “Like all freelance presenters, Gary is free to contribute to projects for third parties, as long as these do not conflict with his BBC commitments; do not breach guidelines on conflicts of interest; nor bring the BBC into disrepute, and he does so regularly.”
In the week when lawmakers are set to vote on the Safety of Rwanda Bill—a fresh attempt by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to revive the program following the Supreme Court’s rejection of it last month—the letter was posted on the website of the campaign alliance Together With Refugees.
A few of those members of parliament have accused Lineker, the highest-paid individual on the BBC, of violating the organization’s policies prohibiting him from getting involved in party politics.
“I think he should stop meddling in these other areas,” stated Mr. Shapps. “It’s all very well signing letters, but I would suggest just focusing on football would be a better solution for him.”
Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis described the letter as “yet another breach of the BBC’s impartiality rules by Gary Lineker” after it was made public.
“Jonathan hasn’t read the new guidelines… or, should I say, had someone read them to him,” Lineker retorted.
“While the guidelines do allow people to talk about issues that matter to them, it is also clear that individuals should be civil and not call into question anyone’s character,” the BBC said in reference to the impartiality rules on social media. When required, we talk about problems that come up with the presenters.”
Together With Refugees organized the open letter, which claims that “a new system that reflects the will of the British people” is necessary.
It reads: “Our government is still trying to banish people fleeing persecution to Rwanda despite the highest court in the land ruling the scheme unlawful.”
The UK’s refugee system is described in the letter as “ever more uncaring, chaotic, and costly.”.
Actors Brian Cox and David Morrissey, comedian Suzi Ruffell, TV chef Big Zuu, and feminist Helen Pankhurst are among the other signatories.
Lineker said: “We need a new system that reflects the will of the British people who have opened their homes, donated, and volunteered in their local communities.” Lineker was one of the few signatories to provide separate quotations for the organization’s news release.
“That’s why I’m backing this new campaign—because fairness really can begin here.”
“For once in his life, Gary’s absolutely right—we do need a system that reflects the will of the British people,” said Lee Anderson, the deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, in an interview with the Daily Mail. The public wants the boats to be stopped and overpaid; slick salespeople are told to put a sock in it.”
The BBC has previously said that Lineker had “additional responsibility” due to his high profile.
To safeguard its objective of objectivity, the BBC maintains social media standards for its news and current affairs professionals. It updated the rules earlier this year to reflect how other employees and independent contractors should be treated.
Following a backlash against Lineker’s remarks about then-home secretary Suella Braverman in March, a number of prominent BBC Sport presenters, pundits, and commentators resigned from their positions in favor of Lineker’s argument that he was exempt from the staff guidelines.
The BBC defined a list of individuals, including Lineker, as “flagship presenters” following a review.
Because of their prominence on the BBC, these presenters of flagship shows that aren’t related to news and current affairs have “a particular responsibility to respect the BBC’s impartiality.”
According to the guidelines, Lineker is now allowed to “express opinions about the issues that matter to [him]” as a flagship presenter, provided that he refrains from engaging in what the BBC considers to be political advocacy.
The updated guidelines acknowledge the value of free speech but mandate that hosts of flagship shows refrain from endorsing or criticizing political parties during the duration of the show as well as for two weeks before and following the series.
Additionally, they are prohibited from disparaging the personal qualities of specific British politicians, offering commentary on political matters, or accepting an official position with a campaign organization while the UK is not in an election year.
In response to X, Lineker stated that the new guidelines were “all very sensible” after they were released in September.