Gary Lineker hits back after being told to stick to football over Rwanda views

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Gary Lineker, who presents for BBC, has responded to some negative comments he received after he suggested that the government should cancel its asylum program in Rwanda.

The host of Match of the Day penned his signature on a document alongside a multitude of well-known individuals and influential personalities, advocating for a fresh system of providing refuge that aligns with the desires of the citizens of the United Kingdom.

Following the rejection of the £140 million scheme by the highest court in the UK due to the potential "genuine threat" of exposing refugees to violations of their human rights.

The message in the letter stated that there is a requirement for a fresh approach that takes into account the desires of the citizens of the UK, who have been kind enough to offer their residences, contribute, and provide assistance within their neighborhoods. Hence, I support this latest initiative since it has the potential to bring about fairness.

The defense secretary, Grant Shapps, expressed his disagreement with Lineker and advised him to focus on his television career instead of sharing his opinions.

The secretary in charge of the country's defence, Grant Shapps, suggested that Gary Lineker should only focus on his television career rather than voicing his personal opinions.

Mr. Shapps stated that it is not civilized or morally correct to allow people to be trafficked across the English Channel, risking their lives at sea and entering the country illegally.

I completely differ from his viewpoint. Even though he has a large fanbase who follows him for his commentary on football and his TV presentations, I believe it's best for him to limit himself to those areas.

Lineker responded by posting a picture of Mr. Shapps with Lineker's name below it, along with three additional photos of the politician using alternate names like Michael Green, Corinne Stockheath, and Sebastian Fox.

Lineker stated: "It's quite ironic to hear this from someone who cannot even commit to a single name. You have four different nicknames, Shapps."

Before, Mr Shapps faced allegations of violating the ethical standards for government officials and members of parliament by promoting get-rich-quick schemes using the name Michael Green while serving as a politician.

He has faced allegations of utilizing the fake names Sebastian Fox and Corinne Stockheath.

According to a representative of the BBC, it is important for people to communicate respectfully. Additionally, any concerns or problems regarding presenters are addressed as needed.

Lineker, a retired football player of England, was one of several well-known individuals who penned a letter urging the government to abandon the Rwanda initiative and devise a just and equitable plan for refugees, according to (PA).

Back in the beginning of this year, Lineker was the focus of a controversy regarding impartiality at the BBC due to his expression of disapproval towards a new asylum seeker policy introduced by the government.

The broadcaster requested him to temporarily step away from his role on Match Of The Day. However, he came back later when his colleagues in the industry refused to appear on BBC sports shows as a sign of support and unity.

Due to the scandal, the BBC has made their social media guidelines for employees regarding impartiality and politeness more stringent.

Jonathan Gullis, a member of the Conservative Party, claimed that Lineker violated the BBC's guidelines on neutrality on a platform previously known as Twitter.

The television host answered, "Jonathan hasn't familiarized himself with the updated instructions... or maybe he had someone else read them to him?"

At the same time, officials at Downing Street declared that Rishi Sunak will not let himself be sidetracked by Lineker's negative remarks about the Rwanda strategy.

When questioned about whether or not Mr Sunak is taken aback by one of the BBC's top personalities expressing their political opinions once more, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated that it is up to Mr Lineker and the BBC to respond to those inquiries.

"However, we will not lose focus on the crucial importance of putting a halt to the boats and making sure this Bill is secured," he included.

In light of the negative comments about Lineker, a representative from the BBC stated that as an independent presenter, Gary has the freedom to participate in endeavors for other groups as long as they do not interfere with his obligations to the BBC. Additionally, his actions cannot go against guidelines on conflicts of interest nor damage the reputation of the BBC. This is something he does frequently.

The representative later mentioned: "We have no intention of making remarks about specific people or their tweets."

Although the advice permits individuals to discuss topics that are important to them, it emphasizes that people must remain courteous and refrain from criticizing someone's personal traits.

We talk about problems that may occur with individuals who give presentations when required.

The recent legislation proposed by the government of Rwanda would mandate that judges and courts in the United Kingdom disregard specific parts of the Human Rights Act that pertain to certain asylum seekers. The objective of this move is to enable the deportation of these individuals to Rwanda, located in the African continent.

The proposal suggests that individuals seeking asylum upon arriving in the UK would be transferred to Rwanda for review and assessment. Following this evaluation, they may either be given official status as a refugee or be permitted to remain in the country.

If not, they can attempt to be granted permission to live there based on different reasons or request protection in a different "safe third country". Therefore far, no individuals seeking asylum have been sent to that location.

Retired leader of the British military, Richard Dannatt, along with Brian Cox, an actor, supported Lineker's suggestion for an updated approach to the asylum process.

According to Mr Dannatt, it is incredible that authorities are still insisting on implementing the unpopular proposal to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda despite opposition.

Cox, who is 77 years old, expressed that the UK's system for accepting asylum seekers is in a chaotic state. The government's ongoing efforts to implement the distressing proposal of relocating individuals to Rwanda only adds to the disarray.