If Gary Lineker wants to be a political pundit, he should leave the BBC
sir – Gary Lineker’s claim that Channel migrants are “the most vulnerable people” (report, March 8) shows a lack of understanding of the background of those seeking to enter this country illegally. They are, in the main, only vulnerable because they are risking their lives crossing the Channel in unsuitable small boats.
Perhaps Mr Lineker and others who protest at the Government’s proposals could explain why a large percentage of Channel migrants are from Albania, Pakistan and other safe countries.
It is odd that his concern for human rights did not stop him presenting World Cup coverage from Qatar. It is time for the BBC to do more than just speak to him. A red card is in order. Stephen Howey
Woodford Green, Essex
sir – What is wrong with Gary Lineker expressing his opinion? He wasn’t on screen when he said it and didn’t state it as a BBC position.
David Goodwin
Lewes, East Sussex sir – It’s not so much that Gary Lineker uses his position to promote his opinions that bothers me – it’s that he has no idea what he’s talking about. Charlie Rigby
Far Longdon, Warwickshire
sir – The BBC should sack Gary Lineker and spend his £1.35million salary on reinstating coverage of the Masters golf tournament in April.
Match of the Day can continue without its overpaid frontman who cannot stop himself expressing his own political views.
James Thacker
Tanworth-in-arden, Warwickshire
sir – It makes you realise that Ken Bruce was excellent value for money. Edward Needham
Ebrington, Gloucestershire
sir – The BBC is closing down the BBC Singers choir after almost 100 years as part of a “devastating” round of cuts (report, March 8). I much prefer choral music, which lifts my spirits every day, to the sounds that are emitted from Gary Lineker’s mouth. Wouldn’t it be nice if licence-fee payers got to vote for who they preferred?
Jeff Smith
Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
sir – If the Prime Minister sticks to his guns and stops cross-channel boats while also returning illegal migrants to their own or a safe country, it will win him the next election.
Anyone genuinely fleeing persecution would stop in the first safe country, not cross Europe to get to Britain. Or is it that we are a soft touch? Heather Remblance
Gloucester
sir – There is a strong possibility that everyone in Parliament wants to see an end to illegal immigration, yet when Rishi Sunak comes up with a solution, he faces opposition from a party that has no alternative. Labour doesn’t have a better plan.
Jonathan Williams Sleaford, Lincolnshire