BBC Sorts presenter Gary Lineker has said he’ll “try and speak up for those who have no voice”.
In a defiant post to Twitter, the former England international refused to budge on his criticism of the Government proposals to ban illegal immigrants from claiming UK asylum.
Lineker – know for his left leanings in politics – described the Illegal Migration Bill as an “immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people, in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s”.
Critics widely condemned his comment.
They said the remarks were inappropriate for a BBC employee.
The Match of the Day presenter quickly responded through his Twitter account.
He posted: “I have never known such love and support in my life than I’m getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly).
“I want to thank each and every one of you.
“It means a lot.
“I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice.
“Cheers all.”
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick – whose wife and children are Jewish – said:
“My children are the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors and I think those sorts of words should not be thrown around lightly.
“Gary Lineker is paid for by the British taxpayer and it’s disappointing that he is so far out of step with the British public.”
Mr Jenrick later suggested Lineker – who earns £1.3 million a year from the BBC – should be sacked.
He said the former striker should be shown a “red card”.
The Home Secretary Suella Braverman also called Lineker’s remarks “irresponsible”.
She said: “I am very disappointed by Gary Lineker’s comments.
“I think equating our measures which are lawful, necessary, and fundamentally compassionate to 1930s Germany is irresponsible and I disagree with that characterisation.
“We are on the side of the British people.
“The British people are fed up with this problem.”
A BBC spokesman said:
“The BBC has social media guidance, which is published.
“Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media.
“We have appropriate internal processes in place if required.
“We would expect Gary to be spoken to and reminded of his responsibilities.”
