Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker has told reporters outside his London home that he stands by his criticism of the government’s asylum seeker policy and does not fear suspension by the BBC.

The former England striker, 62, has faced criticism from members of the Conservative party after comparing the language used to launch the policy with 1930s Germany.

It has sparked a row over whether he has adhered to the BBC’s impartiality rules.

Lineker had shared a Twitter video put out by the home secretary in which she unveiled government plans to stop migrant boats crossing the Channel.

“Good heavens, this is beyond awful,” he wrote.

Lineker, who has presented the BBC football programme since the late 1990s, wrote in another tweet: “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, and I’m out of order?”

UK weather – latest: Level 3 alert issued for England as more snow forecast and drivers in some parts told not to travel

Mystic Meg, one of Britain’s most famous astrologers, dies aged 80

Harry and Meghan’s children officially recognised as prince and princess by Royal Family as couple say it’s their ‘birthright’

Home Secretary Suella Braverman told ITV’s Good Morning Britain she was “very disappointed” by Lineker’s comments and branded them “irresponsible”.

Meanwhile, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said it is important for the BBC to maintain impartiality if it is to “retain the trust of the public who pay the licence fee”.

Related posts:

Two teenagers arrested after boy, 16, stabbed to death near school Teen ‘killed two sisters after deal with demon to win lottery’, court hears Who are ya? What do the surnames of England players mean? COVID infection rates rise across UK as England, Scotland and Wales hit four-month highs Love Island winner Jack Fincham says he attempted to take his own life last year Baby and woman, 35, die in early hours collision with HGV Queen carries out first official engagements since COVID scare British-US national detained in Iran goes on hunger strike as family reveal they feel ‘abandoned’ Lionesses win Euro 2022 with extra-time victory over Germany Sexual abusers will be ‘rooted out’ of South Yorkshire Police, chief constable vows Dozens of birds of prey ‘illegally shot, poisoned or trapped’ Two-year-old boy died after exposure to mould in flat ‘unfit for human habitation’