‘Stick To Football’: Defence Secretary Hits Out At Gary Lineker Over Rwanda Protest Letter

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has strongly advised BBC’s Match of the Day host Gary Lineker to stick to football and refrain from voicing political opinions, following his criticism of the government’s Rwanda policy.

Speaking to Times Radio, Shapps questioned the morality of encouraging illegal entry into the country and the associated dangers of trafficking across the English Channel. He suggested that Lineker should focus on football commentary and TV instead.

“He’s been through all of this before,” the defence secretary said. “The BBC have told him he shouldn’t do this type of thing but still it continues… The point I would make to Mr Lineker is: what is right or moral about having people trafficked dangerously across the English Channel, losing their lives at sea, illegally entering the country? That is not a civilised, morally correct thing to do.”

He continued: “I just fundamentally disagree with him. What happens to him next is up to the BBC. As far as I see it, they have issued previous warnings to him, so it’ll be interesting to see what they do and say at this point. I know millions of people watch him for his football commentary and TV presenting, I would have thought it’s better to stick with that.”

The BBC presenter is yet to respond to the remarks but has pushed back on X against similar criticism by Shapps’ Tory colleagues:

Lineker previously faced suspension for his remarks on the government’s small boats immigration crisis legislation and is now under scrutiny for endorsing a letter that calls for abandoning the Rwanda deportation strategy in favour of a “fair new plan for refugees.”

The letter, which urges the government to reconsider its immigration policies, was signed by 32 notable figures, including Lord Dannatt, former head of the British military, and high-profile individuals like Succession’s Brian Cox and actress Juliet Stevenson. The letter argues that current policies are failing refugees and highlights the need for a new system that is fair, efficient, and compassionate.

Politicians are preparing to debate and vote on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s controversial Rwanda bill, which aims to declare Rwanda a safe destination for asylum seekers, despite a Supreme Court ruling against the scheme.

The bill has faced significant opposition, with the Together With Refugees campaign coalition releasing a statement signed by various public figures emphasising the plight of thousands in limbo within the refugee system.