'BBC has handled Lineker row terribly - they've been intimidated by the Tories'

12 March 2023 , 22:07

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The Mirror is calling for Lineker to return to Match of the Day as soon as possible (Image: BBC/Pete Dadds)

Gary Lineker is popular – even among many who don’t share his views.

The suspended Match of the Day host and BBC stars and staff showing solidarity with him are among the few people emerging with credit from this crisis.

Tories scented blood after Lineker – who hosts refugees in his own home – criticised the demonising language they aim at those arriving here in desperate circumstances.

They are charlatans claiming to champion free speech then demanding the silencing of somebody who disagrees with them.

BBC bosses have handled this row terribly. They’ve allowed themselves to be intimidated by Conservatives and have applied internal guidance inconsistently, with Alan Sugar previously allowed to fume against Labour.

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Impartiality in BBC news matters but the broadcaster should be able to see viewers can distinguish between, say, News at Ten presenter Huw Edwards and a football pundit.

Let’s get Lineker back on the box while a sensible way forward is found.

Halt bills blow

Leaving hard-pressed households to sweat over fuel bills is shows another unpleasant side of this Government.

It’s clear ending the Energy Bills Support Scheme would be a huge blow for many.

So failing to extend it for a further six months or year from April would be unforgivable.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s busily releasing much else that is in Wednesday’s Budget so why wait when people want to know now.

With the Treasury sitting on as much as £30-billion it never expected, largely thanks to falling world gas prices, we urge the Chancellor to keep the £66 a month help for everybody.

Touch of class

Retired PE teachers Sheila Gordon, 94, and Madge Brown, 101 finally received degrees over 70 years after qualifying.

Full marks to the University of London for overcoming historical academic snobbery back and crowning them the Two Degrees.

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