13 March 2023 , 14:41
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The BBC's Laura Kuenssberg has found herself at the centre of fury as some viewers are demanding she steps down from her role with the network after discussions surrounding Gary Lineker.
Laura, who served as the BBC's political editor between 2016 and 2022 now fronts Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg and discusses some of the week's biggest topics.
This weekend, the broadcaster and her guests discussed the recent fallout between Match of the Day host Gary and the publicly funded organisation.
Bosses at the Beeb had claimed Mr Lineker had breached their impartiality rules when he compared the UK's proposed immigration bill to Nazi Germany.
Viewers have questioned whether Laura Kuenssberg will stand down (BBC)While sitting alongside Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, Simon Clarke MP, Rachel Reeves MP, Nadia Whittome MP and eBay UK's general manager, Murrary Lambel – Laura read emails from viewers over the topic.
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One viewer commented: "Surely the more important question is why any licence payers’ funding goes towards such an enormous salary for Gary Lineker? Maybe it would be good to let him go."
Meanwhile, a second went on to write: "Me and my boys would do his job for 10 percent of the fee and we'd keep our thoughts to ourselves."
The broadcaster has faced claims of breaching the BBC's impartiality rules (BBC)But this left viewers at home rattled as they flocked to social media after Laura failed to share any positive emails regarding Mr Lineker.
"BBC Balance? After discussing Gary Lineker on her show yesterday, Laura Kuenssberg read out 2 emails from viewers. BOTH were critical of the MOTD presenter," fumed one.
While a second went on to type: "@bbclaurak at the end of her show read out two emails that were attacking @GaryLineker if this well-known @BorisJohnson fan isn't impartial then I don't know what is. She should be reminded of her position."
Gary has been reinstated on Match of the Day (PA)Another asked: "@bbclaurak as you are employed by the BBC, and are employed in a political journalist role, are you not meant to be impartial? So has the BBC asked you to step back from your role, and had a discussion of why you failed being impartial?"
Taking to Twitter last week, Lineker shared his views after Suella Braverman announced the new plans to stop migrants crossing the English Channel on boats and also claimed the UK is "overwhelmed".
Gary initially re-shared the video alongside the comment: "Good heavens, this is beyond awful."
He later commented: "There is no huge influx. 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."
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The BBC was approached for comment.