Rishi Sunak wades into row engulfing BBC over Gary Lineker for second time
Rishi Sunak tonight tried to distance himself from the Gary Lineker row engulfing the BBC.
The Prime Minister insisted the turmoil at the broadcaster by the sports presenter's criticism of his Government’s asylum policy was “between Gary Lineker and the BBC”.
An unofficial staff boycott resulted in Match of the Day playing without pundits or commentary on Saturday - and left viewers with just 20 minutes of footage.
Speaking to reporters on flight to the US, Mr Sunak urged both sides to “resolve it in a timely fashion” but said it was important to get “perspective” about his illegal immigration plans.
Asked if the top presenter should apologise or be booted from the BBC, he said: "I think the issue between Gary Lineker and the BBC is one they should resolve. I hope they can resolve it in a timely fashion.
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Gary Lineker's suspension has sparked huge anger and a walkout by BBC staff (Getty Images)“I think Gary Lineker was a great footballer and is a very talented presenter but this is an issue they need to resolve themselves.
“It is important we have perspective, there is a very real issue with tens of thousands of people coming to our country illegally and I believe we need to have a compassionate and an effective response to that and I believe the proposals the government have put forward are exactly that.
“They are the compassionate, fair and right way to solve this problem which is a huge priority.”
Pressed on whether viewers had been left shortchanged by the chaos, he said: “These issues are for the BBC to sort out.”
Mr Sunak said he wished he had more time to watch Match of the Day - and said: “I wish Southampton were winning more when I did watch it.”
Asked if he’d meet Gary Lineker to discuss the policy, he said: "It’s not about any one person. At the press conference I said I recognise people will want to debate the policy as they do with everything.
The PM was quizzed on whether Richard Sharp should keep his job (PA)"This is a serious issue facing our country. I know it's a priority for the British people, it’s a priority for me, and I think the policy we put forward is the right one, not only because it's effective and will be effective, but because it's a morally just and compassionate way to resolve this issue.”
Meanwhile, Mr Sunak dodged questions over whether under-fire BBC Chairman Richard Sharp should resign over his links to Boris Johnson.
Mr Sharp is currently under investigation by the corporation after claims emerged that he helped former PM Boris Johnson land an £800,000 loan.
Pressed on whether Mr Sharp should continue to lead the broadcaster, the PM said: “Richard Sharp went through an independent appointments process at the time that I had nothing to do with. He was appointed before I was Prime Minister.
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“The Chair of Publics appointments has asked, a leading KC, has asked to review - to re-review - that appointments process so there is not much I can say more while that's ongoing, but it's right in that process concludes. It gives people the confidence that they need.”
The Mirror has launched a petition to have Gary Lineker reinstated at the BBC and as the host of Match of the Day. Sign it here.
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