Match of the Day: Lineker vs Braverman

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Gary Lineker’s tweets criticising the government’s Illegal Immigration Bill have been causing a firestorm in the press. Mike Royal reminds Christians that, whatever our view, posture is important when campaigning for justice

A friend of mine close to the Westminster village once said: “Some people get out of bed in the morning and ask themselves: ‘Who am I going to pick a fight with today?’”

On 7th March 2023, the Home Office released a video featuring Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, emblazoned with the strap line: “Enough is enough. We must stop the boats”. The moment felt like the launch of the latest culture war crusade, rather than concern about the latest small boat crossing.

TV presenter and football pundit Gary Lineker’s reaction on Twitter struck a chord with many: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.” Within 24 hours, after a chorus of complaints from Conservative MPs, Lineker was reprimanded by the BBC, accused of breaching impartiality rules.