HUMZA Yousaf has backed Gary Lineker after Downing Street called the BBC presenter’s criticism of its migrant policy “unacceptable”.
Following the announcement of a Home Office’s policy which would deport migrants coming to the UK in small boats to their home countries, Lineker took to Twitter and said the move was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s”.
A spokesperson for Downing Street said that Lineker’s tweet on the subject was “unacceptable and disappointing to see” and the BBC has said that it expects the broadcaster to be “spoken to and reminded of his responsibilities”.
However, SNP leadership candidate Humza Yousaf has sprung to the Match of the Day presenter’s defence.
Absolutely spot on from @GaryLineker We all have a moral duty to speak out about inhumanity of a Govt that turns away men, women and children in their greatest hour of need. Thoroughly depressing debate betwen Tories & Labour at PMQs and they wonder why we want our independence? https://t.co/LS2gJa9Nfl
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) March 8, 2023
In the wake of criticism, Lineker tweeted that it was “great to see the freedom of speech champions out in force this morning demanding silence from those with whom they disagree".
Humza Yousaf responded to this by saying that Lineker was “spot on”.
He said: “Absolutely spot on from @GaryLineker.
“We all have a moral duty to speak our about inhumanity of a Govt that turns away men, women and children in their greatest hour of need.
“Thoroughly depressing debate betwen (sp) Tories & Labour at PMQs and they wonder why we want our independence?”
During last nights leadership debate on STV, Yousaf said that the “UK Government’s cruelty to refugees is exactly why we need independence for Scotland”.
