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Kamis, 09 Maret 2023

Gary Lineker says he does not fear BBC suspension over asylum policy tweet - BBC

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By Charley Adams

BBC News

Gary Lineker has said he does not fear BBC suspension in an impartiality row over a tweet criticising the government's asylum policy.

The Match of the Day host has tweeted that he is "looking forward to presenting" the show on Saturday.

Lineker had compared the language the government used to set out asylum plans to "that used by Germany in the 30s".

Speaking to the BBC, the home secretary said the comment "diminishes the unspeakable tragedy" of the Holocaust.

Despite the intense criticism, Lineker expects to be retained as a presenter. The BBC has not commented.

He wrote on social media: "Happy that this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting [Match of the Day] on Saturday. Thanks again for all your incredible support. It's been overwhelming."

Suella Braverman told the BBC's Political Thinking podcast the Nazi comparison used by Lineker was "lazy and unhelpful".

The home secretary said her family "feel very keenly the impact of the Holocaust" as her husband is Jewish and said it was "offensive" to draw the comparison.

When it was put to her by host Nick Robinson that Lineker was passionate about the rights of asylum seekers, she said the Germany comment was an "unhelpful way to frame the debate".

Why Lineker's comments present problem for the BBC

The BBC said on Wednesday it was having a "frank conversation" with Lineker about the BBC's guidelines on remaining impartial following his Twitter remark.

Asked by a reporter if he regretted the post, the host answered: "No".

Pressed on whether he had spoken to the BBC director general, he said he had and that they "chat often". Asked if he stood by the tweet, he said: "Course".

Speaking in the Commons earlier on Thursday, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said Lineker's remark was "disappointing and inappropriate" and referenced her grandmother who escaped Nazi Germany.

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Ms Frazer said it was "important for the BBC to retain impartiality if it is to retain the trust of the public who pay the licence fee" but that the broadcaster is "operationally independent" of the government.

Former culture secretary Sir John Whittingdale urged the government to ensure "all those who are presenters on the BBC" - including freelancers like Lineker - were covered by impartiality rules when the charter was reviewed.

But Richard Sambrook, the BBC's former director of global news, said on Twitter it had "become unsustainable for the BBC to force freelance presenters to fall in line with BBC policies in their non-BBC activities".

He added that the policy was "full of fudge" and the BBC needed to clarify "to what extent impartiality rules extend beyond news".

On Tuesday, Suella Braverman outlined the government's plans to ban people arriving in the UK illegally from ever claiming asylum, in a bid to address a rise in the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats.

Opposition MPs and charities have strongly objected to the proposals, but the PM and home secretary have defended the plan, saying stopping the crossings is a priority for the British people.

Lineker's remarks have been widely criticised by Conservative MPs but he has received support by many on social media who oppose the government's proposals.

In response to some of the criticism, Lineker tweeted on Wednesday: "I'll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no choice."

Lineker, 62, who has presented Match of the Day since 1999 also works for LaLiga TV.

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The corporation's former editorial policy controller Richard Ayre said the presenter had a choice to make over his role at the BBC.

He said Lineker must consider whether to stay or to leave and "become a social media influencer".

Mr Ayre, a former member of the broadcasting regulator Ofcom's content board, said it was "unacceptable" to have someone who works for the BBC "comparing Suella Braverman to the third Reich".

Asked whether BBC director general Tim Davie may have to let the sports presenter go, Mr Ayre told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I don't think he is going to have any choice but to let him go unless he can be certain that this is the end of it."

The former BBC trustee was also asked about BBC chairman Richard Sharp, who is facing criticism over his role in facilitating a £800,000 loan for then-prime minister Boris Johnson.

Mr Ayre said the BBC's chairman was "hanging by an absolute thread", adding: "It is quite likely that, within the next few days or weeks, we'll perhaps see two heads roll - one from the left and one from the right, the chairman and Gary Lineker.

"And then, maybe, once each side has scored a goal, we can get back to normal business."

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By Charley Adams

BBC News

Gary Lineker has said he does not fear BBC suspension in an impartiality row over a tweet criticising the government's asylum policy.

Asked by reporters outside his home whether he stood by his tweet, the Match of the Day host said: "Course".

Lineker had compared the language the government used to set out asylum plans to "that used by Germany in the 30s".

The culture secretary said the presenter's tweets were "disappointing and inappropriate".

Lucy Frazer said it was "important for the BBC to retain impartiality if it is to retain the trust of the public who pay the licence fee".

The BBC said on Wednesday it was having a "frank conversation" with Lineker about the BBC's guidelines on remaining impartial.

Lineker was asked by a group of reporters outside his London home on Thursday whether he feared "getting suspended" and he answered: "No."

As he walked around his car, Lineker said he "always" talked to the BBC, adding that he chats often to the director general.

He was asked by a reporter if he regretted sending the tweet "at all" and he answered: "No."

As Lineker leaned out of the car, another reporter asked: "Do you stand by what you said in your tweet?" Lineker replied: "Course."

Why Lineker's comments present problem for the BBC

The corporation's former editorial policy controller Richard Ayre said the presenter had a choice to make over his role at the BBC.

He said Lineker must consider whether to stay or to leave and "become a social media influencer".

On Tuesday, the government outlined its plans to ban people arriving in the UK illegally from ever claiming asylum, in a bid to address a rise in the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats.

Opposition MPs and charities have strongly objected to the proposals, but the PM and home secretary have defended the plan, saying stopping the crossings is a priority for the British people.

Lineker's remarks have been widely criticised by Conservative MPs and ministers, including Downing Street.

In response to some of the criticism, Lineker tweeted on Wednesday: "I'll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no choice."

Lineker, 62, who has presented Match of the Day since 1999 also works for LaLiga TV.

Responding to a question in the Commons Ms Frazer said: "As somebody whose grandmother escaped Nazi Germany in the 1930s I think it's really disappointing and inappropriate to compare government policy on immigration... to events in Germany in the 1930s.

"The BBC is operationally independent and I'm pleased the BBC will be speaking to Gary Lineker to remind him of his responsibilities in relation to social media."

Former culture secretary Sir John Whittingdale said the BBC's requirement to be politically impartial should cover "all those who are presenters on the BBC" and urged ministers to ensure the mid-term review of the BBC's charter would "cover enforcement of this rule on freelancers as well as full-time employees".

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Mr Ayre, a former member of the broadcasting regulator Ofcom's content board, said it was "unacceptable" to have someone who works for the BBC "comparing Suella Braverman to the third Reich".

The former BBC trustee was also asked about BBC chairman Richard Sharp, who is facing criticism over his role in facilitating a £800,000 loan for then-prime minister Boris Johnson.

"And then, maybe, once each side has scored a goal, we can get back to normal business."

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LIVE: Northern Ireland snow latest as weather warning in force and drivers urged to take extra care - Belfast Live

A weather warning for snow is now in place across NI with drivers urged to take extra care on the roads.

The yellow warning came into force at 7am and will remain in place until 2pm on Friday, March 10.

The Met Office said: "Heavy snow has the potential to cause disruption on Thursday and Friday."

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Motorists are advised to take extra care on the roads today, Thursday 9th March, especially on those which may not have been gritted.

"Clear your windscreen of ice and snow before you set off and remember to slow down and increase the distance between you and the car ahead.

"Stopping distances increase greatly when weather conditions are poor, so slow down and leave a bigger gap between your vehicle and the vehicle in front, and drive as smoothly as possible.

"Please also listen to and consider all travel and safety advice before making any journey and respect any road closure signage."

For Thursday's weather, the Met Office said: "A dry start to the day with some bright spells, but outbreaks of snow spreading north during the afternoon, heavy at times. Easterly winds becoming strong. Maximum temperature 4C."

The forecaster added: "Snow will continue through this evening and the first part of the night but then clearing east, leaving clear skies behind. Winds easing. Minimum temperature -4C."

For more information from the PSNI on driving during wintry conditions, CLICK HERE.

Follow our blog below for live updates.

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Snowstorms and high winds forecast to cause UK travel disruption - The Guardian

Severe snowstorms and high winds are expected to bring serious travel disruption across a large area of Britain.

An amber warning for strong winds and blizzard conditions with up to 40cm (15.7in) of snow has been issued by the Met Office covering an area from Stoke-on-Trent to Durham on Thursday. The forecaster said significant disruption to transport, power lines and phone network coverage was likely.

Wednesday night was the coldest of the year so far, with temperatures plummeting to -16C in Altnaharra, Scotland.

The Peak District and Pennines have the potential for as much as 40cm of snow into Friday morning, with remote communities at risk of being cut off.

The amber warning for parts of central and northern England lasts for 21 hours from 3pm on Thursday. An amber warning means there is a likelihood that severe weather will disrupt people’s plans, with a possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, and power cuts. It also brings a potential risk to life and property.

Yellow warnings for snow are in place for all of England north of the West Midlands from Thursday morning, for much of Wales and all of Northern Ireland. While southern England is likely to receive rain, it will turn to snow once it reaches central regions.

Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are also in place across much of Scotland.

A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place in northern Scotland, where temperatures were as low as -4C in the early hours of Thursday. A further yellow warning is in place for snow across the central belt, Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders – with an additional warning for snow and ice in place for south-east Scotland.

The Met Office warns that some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services. There will also be some icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths and possible injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

Significant disruption to rail and roads is expected across Britain. The RAC reported an increase in breakdowns along the M4 west from London into Wales. National Highways warned drivers in the West Midlands and the east of England not to travel unless their journey is essential.

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Rod Dennis from the RAC said: “We’re continuing to monitor the weather situation closely, but with further snow expected over the next few days there is still the potential for some significant disruption to journeys.

“Even a little snow and ice can make roads treacherous, so we’re advising everyone who does set out to proceed extremely cautiously. We’re also conscious that there will be a large number of new drivers who may never have experienced snow on the roads before, so we urge them to take particular care and drive well within the speed limit to give themselves plenty of time to react should the vehicle in front run into difficulty.”

The UK Health Security Agency has placed all regions of England under a level 3 cold weather alert lasting until midnight on Thursday. Dr Agostinho Sousa, a consultant at UKHSA, said the cold weather could have a serious impact on health, particularly for elderly people. Age UK has urged people to check on older neighbours and relatives.

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Snow falls in Coventry for second day as weather warning still in place - Coventry Live

Snow is falling in Coventry and Warwickshire for a second day. A weather warning is in place for Coventry, Warwickshire and the Midlands until 2pm tomorrow with warnings of potential travel disruption.

Snow fell for several hours in Coventry and Warwickshire yesterday amid a weather warning of possible power cuts and disruption to public transport.

Large swathes of the UK have been carpeted in snow, from Hertfordshire to Taunton, and from London to Northumberland. The Met Office anticipates possible travel delays on roads leaving some vehicles and passengers stranded.

"Bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times possible," their warning says. "Some rural communities could become temporarily cut off.

"Power cuts may occur and other services may be temporarily affected. Untreated pavements and cycle paths might be impassable with a chance of injuries from slips and falls on snow-covered or icy surfaces."

Follow our live blog below for more information, updates, pictures and video.

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Rabu, 08 Maret 2023

PMQs: Sunak and Starmer clash over migrant law at PMQs - BBC

Another issue that could come up at PMQs is the publication of messages sent between former Health Secretary Matt Hancock and other ministers and officials at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The latest of these, published by the Daily Telegraph, suggest Matt Hancock supported threatening to block a disability centre in a Tory MP's constituency in a bid to get him to vote for the Covid tier system in England.

WhatsApp messages show Mr Hancock agreed to put pressure on James Daly, Conservative MP for Bury North, if he failed to vote with the government.

Hancock's spokesperson said: "What's being accused here never happened, demonstrating the story is wrong, and showing why such a biased, partial approach to the evidence is a bad mistake, driven by those with a vested interest and an axe to grind."

The messages, which the BBC has not independently verified or seen in their full context, were handed to The Telegraph by journalist Isabel Oakeshott.

Oakeshott, a longstanding critic of lockdowns, was given them while helping Mr Hancock write his book, Pandemic Diaries.

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BBC speaking frankly with Gary Lineker over tweet comparing UK asylum policy to 1930s Germany - BBC

By Christy Cooney & Katie Razzall

BBC News

The BBC says it is having a "frank conversation" with Gary Lineker after the Match of the Day host tweeted critically about the government's asylum policy.

Lineker said the language in which the plan was set out was "not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s".

The BBC has impartiality guidelines and the corporation said Lineker was being "spoken to" about his responsibilities.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she was "disappointed" by the comments.

On Tuesday, the government outlined its plans to effectively ban anyone arriving via an illegal route from claiming asylum in the UK.

Anyone found to have entered the country illegally will also be blocked from returning or claiming British citizenship in future.

The measure is part of attempts to address an increase in the number of people arriving in the UK via Channel crossings each year, which rose from around 300 in 2018 to more than 45,000 in 2022.

Responding to a video message setting out the policy by Ms Braverman, Lineker tweeted: "Good heavens, this is beyond awful."

Told by another user he was "out of order", he added: "We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.

"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?"

It is not clear which language in particular Lineker was referring to, but Ms Braverman's video and accompanying tweet included the words "enough is enough" and "we must stop the boats".

Following the comments, the home secretary told BBC One's Breakfast: "I'm disappointed, obviously. I think it's unhelpful to compare our measures, which are lawful, proportionate and - indeed - compassionate, to 1930s Germany. I also think that we are on the side of the British people here."

The decade saw the rise to power of the Nazi party in Germany and persecution of Jewish people, leading to the Second World War.

Lineker, who has presented Match of the Day since 1999, is the BBC's highest paid star, having earned about £1,35m in 2020-21.

He has in the past been vocal about migrants' rights and has taken refugees into his home. He has also been critical of successive Conservative governments over issues including Brexit.

In October, the BBC's complaints unit found Lineker had broken impartiality rules in a tweet asking whether the Conservative Party planned to "hand back their donations from Russian donors".

The comment came after the then Foreign Secretary Liz Truss urged Premier League teams to boycott the Champions League final in Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.

In 2018, after BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew called on him to "keep your political views... to yourself", Lineker responded: "I'm the face of my own Twitter account. I'll continue to tweet what I like and if folk disagree with me then so be it."

The furore surrounding Lineker's latest remarks put pressure on the BBC, with director general Tim Davie having made impartiality a cornerstone of his leadership.

The broadcaster's editorial guidelines state that the organisation is "committed to achieving due impartiality in all its output" and that "public comments, for example on social media, of staff [or] presenters... can affect perceptions of the BBC's impartiality".

What will the new law mean?

People removed from the UK will be blocked from returning or seeking British citizenship in future
Migrants will not get bail or be able to seek judicial review for the first 28 days of detention
There will be a cap on the number of refugees the UK will settle through "safe and legal routes" - set annually by Parliament
A duty on the home secretary to detain those arriving in the UK illegally and remove them to Rwanda or a "safe" third country - this will take legal precedence over someone's right to claim asylum
Under-18s, those medically unfit to fly, or those at risk of serious harm in the country they are being removed to will be able to delay removal
Any other asylum claims will be heard remotely after removal

Conservative Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson said Lineker was "out of touch" and should stick to football.

Writing on Twitter following Lineker's comments on Tuesday, he said the presenter had "piped up again with his virtue-signalling nonsense".

"This is just another example of how out of touch these overpaid stars are with the voting public," he said. "Instead of lecturing, Mr Lineker should stick to reading out the football scores and flogging crisps."

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay said Lineker's comments were "foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful" and called on the BBC to sack him.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper told BBC Radio 4's Today programme she did not agree with the comment, adding it is "entirely" a matter for the BBC when asked whether it should take significant action against him.

She continued: "He's somebody that's spoken out very strongly on lots of different issues, and people who feel strongly should be able to speak out and say the things that they feel."

A spokesperson for the corporation 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."

The corporation has also responded to previous criticism of Lineker by highlighting that he is not involved in its news or political output and is a freelance broadcaster, not a member of staff.