Outside the headquarters of the BBC in London is a statue of the writer George Orwell.
It bears the words: “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they don’t want to hear.”
In a series of tweets Gary Lineker did just that. He told the Government that its policies to tackle illegal migration were inhumane and cruel.
Rather than accept the freelance sports presenter was speaking from a position of genuine compassion, right-wing MPs immediately called for him to be removed from the BBC.
The broadcaster should have stood up to this baying mob.
Sign the petition here
If it values free speech and, above all, if it values its independence it should have defended Lineker’s right to voice views which may be unpalatable to others.
The BBC has undermined its own reputation for impartiality by caving into the demands of the right-wing press and loudmouth Tory MPs.
The take Lineker off air is not only craven but hypocritical. The BBC chairman, Richard Sharp, remains in place despite helping facilitate a loan guarantee for Boris Johnson.
Other presenters have not been silenced despite airing right-wing views.
38 Degrees' CEO Matthew McGregor has revealed The Mirror's petition was the fastest growing petition during his time at the organisation.
He said: “That it’s taken off at this rate is no surprise. At 38 Degrees we give people a platform to make their voices heard on issues they care about - for millions of people across the country, both the right to free speech and football are issues that matter a huge amount, so we anticipate numbers will only climb more rapidly.
“This is a clear own goal from the BBC and it requires an urgent VAR check.
“The BBC is a treasured British institution and it must act now to stand up to ministers and defend its reputation around the world for independence, impartiality and holding those in power to account- by urgently reversing this offside decision.”
The Mirror has launched a petition calling for Lineker to be reinstated. More than 200,000 people have already joined The Mirror in demanding Lineker's return to Match of the Day.
We urge anyone who values liberty and free speech to sign it.
