BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker sparked an enormous row last week after a tweet comparing the government’s language around illegal immigration to 1930s Germany. After he was taken off air, many of his colleagues downed tools in support.

While Lineker may have made up with BBC management for now, the affair has thrown up lots of questions. Should we take Lineker’s comparison seriously? What does the affair say about the current state of free speech in the UK? Are his defenders being opportunistic in defending his right to express his opinions? Is calling for someone you disagree to be ‘cancelled’ ever a legitimate tactic? Is impartiality something worth striving for – and is it even possible? And what have we learned about the way political debate is conducted today?

Alastair Donald, Claire Fox, Ella Whelan and Rob Lyons kick some ideas around.

Gary Lineker: free speech, political debate and impartiality

for 8 flutes, 3 oboes, 8 clarinets, 3 bassoons, 2 saxes, 4 horns, 6 trumpets, 6 trombones, 4 tubas, 5 percussion, piano, harp, strings, mezzo soprano and speaking voice.
Performed by Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra on 16 June 2023, conducted by Daniele Rosina.

For John Baldessari and/or Gary Lineker

Listen to recordings of our discussions and debates. Our aim is to expand the boundaries of public debate, to break out of today's echo chambers and challenge orthodoxies.

New tracks tagged #Lineker