Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has spoken out after Gary Lineker was dropped from his role on Match of the Day. The row broke out earlier this week after the former England striker took to social media to hit out at Government plans to stop small boats making the journey to Britain.
The Illegal Migration Bill would remove immigrants entering the country via such routes and ban them from applying for asylum for life. On Tuesday, 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 30s, and I’m out of order?"
Yesterday the BBC said it regarded his tweet as a 'breach of our guidelines' and that Lineker would 'step back' from presenting the BBC's flagship football show 'until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media'. Now the Prime Minister has had his say on the issue, defending the policy and describing it as 'compassionate' but adding that Lineker's position is a 'matter for them, not the Government'.
READ MORE: BBC issues Gary Lineker update as it apologies to sport fans
Mr Sunak said: "As Prime Minister, I have to do what I believe is right, respecting that not everyone will always agree. That is why I have been unequivocal in my approach to stopping the boats.
"Gary Lineker was a great footballer and is a talented presenter. I hope that the current situation between Gary Lineker and the BBC can be resolved in a timely manner, but it is rightly a matter for them, not the Government.
"While that process is ongoing, it is important that we maintain perspective, particularly given the seriousness of the issue at hand. Forty-five thousand people crossed the channel illegally last year, many of whom have been exploited or trafficked by criminal gangs, putting their lives in danger.
"We need to break this cycle of misery once and for all and the policy we set out this week I believe aims to do just that. It is not only the fair and moral thing to do, it is also the compassionate thing to do.
"There are no easy answers to solving this problem, but I believe leadership is about taking the tough decisions to fix problems. I know not everyone will always agree, but I do believe this is fair and right."
Several of Lineker's colleagues boycotted BBC football shows in solidarity with the presenter, with the broadcaster's TV and radio schedules falling into disarray.
Tonight's episode of Match of the Day will not feature presenters or analysis, and is expected to be shorter than usual. Earlier today a spokesperson for the broadcaster said: “The BBC will only be able to bring limited sport programming this weekend and our schedules will be updated to reflect that.
"We are sorry for these changes which we recognise will be disappointing for BBC sport fans. We are working hard to resolve the situation and hope to do so soon."
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BBC issues Gary Lineker update as it apologises to sport fans
