William Eichler 13 March 2023

Gary Lineker twitter row ‘fuss about nothing’, says mayor

Gary Lineker twitter row ‘fuss about nothing’, says mayor   image

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen calls for Gary Lineker to be reinstated on Match of the Day and tells everyone to ‘grow up’.

Former footballer and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker compared the language the Government used to set out asylum plans to ‘that used by Germany in the 30s’ in a tweet last week, prompting a debate about the BBC’s social media guidelines.

The BBC presenter was criticising the Government’s ‘Stop the Boats’ – or Illegal Migration – Bill, which will mean anyone who enters the UK illegally and who has passed through a safe country will be removed and the Home Secretary will have the power to enforce it.

Under the new law, migrants may be detained for 28 days with no recourse for bail or judicial review, and then for as long as there is a ‘reasonable prospect of removal.’

According to the Refugee Council, 45,755 people were detected arriving by small boats in 2022. This was 60% more than the number in 2021 (28,526).

Responding to the new bill, Mr Lineker tweeted: '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 1930s.'

Commenting on Mr Lineker’s tweet in Parliament, culture secretary Lucy Frazer said it was ‘really disappointing and inappropriate’.

Mr Lineker was not permitted to host the footballing program over the weekend. However, he will be back on air next weekend.

Responding to the row, Mayor Houchen distanced himself from the offending tweet but said it was all a ‘fuss about nothing.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner