Steerpike Steerpike

Gary Lineker honoured for his activism by Amnesty

Getty

They say genius is never appreciated in its own time. So we can only be grateful that Gary Lineker’s activism is now getting the attention and recognition it deserves. The millionaire motormouth will be awarded a gong on Wednesday from – no joke – Amnesty International, the self-proclaimed ‘world’s leading human rights organisation.’ Ironic, given that UK taxpayers are forced to pay Lineker’s salary via the licence fee, on pain of imprisonment for non-payment of fines…

Like the good eco-warrior that he is, Lineker will jet into Rome to collect a ‘sport and human rights award’ by the organisation, which described him as a ‘staunch advocate for the rights of refugees and migrants’. Well, that’s one way of putting it. Others, including Lineker’s long-suffering colleagues in the BBC, might refer to him as a ‘rule-dodging, limelight-loving loudmouth’ given the way in which he humiliated the Corporation over his ‘1930s Germany’ tweet back in March.

Steerpike
Written by
Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

Topics in this article

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in