Gary Lineker Claps Back at Grant Shapps Over Criticism of His Views on Rwanda Scheme
Former England footballer Gary Lineker has responded to criticism from Defence Secretary Grant Shapps after signing a letter calling for the UK government to scrap its Rwanda scheme. Lineker was among a group of celebrities demanding political leaders devise a fair plan for refugees instead. Shapps questioned whether Lineker, as a prominent presenter on Match Of The Day, should express political opinions. This comes after Lineker previously faced an impartiality row when he voiced concerns about a government asylum seeker policy.
Shapps argued that Lineker had been cautioned by the BBC in the past about making such statements. The Defence Secretary further voiced disagreement, questioning the morality of allowing illegal entry and the dangers associated with people trafficking across the English Channel.
Lineker fought back on Twitter, posting a photo of Shapps with the names Michael Green, Corinne Stockheath, and Sebastian Fox instead of his own. This was in reference to previous allegations that Shapps had breached conduct codes by using pseudonyms.
The exchange prompted Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis to accuse Lineker of breaching the BBC’s impartiality rules. Lineker responded, highlighting Gullis’ failure to comprehend the BBC’s latest guidelines.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman has stated that Chancellor Rishi Sunak will not be swayed by Lineker’s criticism of the Rwanda plan, implying that it does not possess government concerns at this time. Downing Street made it clear that questions regarding Lineker’s stance should be directed at the presenter and the BBC.
A spokesperson for the BBC stated that Lineker, as a freelance presenter, is free to contribute to third-party projects, as long as they comply with the network’s guidelines. In response to the letter, a coalition of public figures—including Lineker, Helen Pankhurst, Sophie Okonedo, and Big Zuu—have called for a fair new plan for refugees, emphasizing the need for stronger global cooperation and safe routes to protection.
The Fair Begins Here campaign, coordinated by the coalition Together With Refugees, aims to challenge the existing refugee policies in the UK. The coalition insists that the government’s Rwanda scheme is ineffective and in breach of international law.
As MPs debate the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill this week, the signatories are urging political leaders from all parties to commit to a fair plan for refugees, which includes upholding the right to claim asylum and dismantling the Rwanda scheme.
The letter calls for a comprehensive strategy to welcome and integrate refugees, defined by fair and swift asylum decisions and an approach that tackles the root causes of displacement.
Although Grant Shapps has criticized Lineker’s involvement in expressing political views, the BBC has defended the presenter’s right to contribute to external projects. The issue of free speech versus impartiality remains at the forefront of the discussion surrounding Lineker’s activism on refugee issues.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the BBC will handle the situation, and whether Lineker’s stance will influence public opinion or government policy on the Rwanda scheme and the broader issue of refugee rights.
