SNAP POLL: Should Gary Lineker wade into the North Sea drill ban debate? YOUR VERDICT
Gary Lineker received backlash on X for showing support for the North Sea drilling ban
Getty and X/@GaryLineker
BBC presenter Gary Lineker has sparked debate after publicly endorsing Ed Miliband's plans to ban new drilling in the North Sea.
Energy Secretary Miliband reportedly overruled his officials in ordering an immediate ban on new drilling in the North Sea, risking a wave of legal action from companies who have spent millions of pounds preparing their bids for licences.
If the ban stays in place, it's believed thousands of job opportunities for Britons will vanish as Labour looks elsewhere for its energy sources. However, the decision has been commended by some for its environmental impact.
Lineker took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday morning with a series of applause emojis as he responded to news of Miliband's actions.
Lineker, who is the BBC's highest-paid presenter, has made headlines in the past due to his political posts on social media.
The BBC says it is committed to "achieving due impartiality in all its output," but Lineker shows clear support of the North Sea drill ban in his tweet.
SNAP POLL: Should Gary Lineker wade into the North Sea drill ban debate? YOUR VERDICT
GB News
Some users on X slammed Lineker, as they took issue with his endorsement.
"Can’t wait for my energy prices to increase again. This is perfect for working class people," one sarcastically responded with a series of clapping emojis.
A second similarly hit out: "Thousands of jobs at risk? Communities in the north east of Scotland devastated? Aye clap away Gary."
"Great now working class people will struggle to heat their homes even more. Great news eh, Gary?" another fumed.
Gary Lineker retweeted news about Ed Miliband banning new drilling in the North Sea with two clapping emojis
X/@GaryLineker
There was some support for Lineker's stance, however, with one follower describing the news as a "great move" and a second weighing in: "Get in."
Lineker was also called out earlier this week for his political comments during Spain's 2-1 win over France on Tuesday night.
During the match, Lineker said it had been 'all about the left' this week in France, referring to the recent elections in the country.
The BBC says it is "committed" to achieving due impartiality in all output.
The BBC adds impartiality must be "adequate and appropriate to the output, taking account of the subject and nature of the content, the likely audience expectation and any signposting that may influence that expectation".
In the exclusive poll for GB News membership readers, an overwhelming majority (98 per cent) of the 476 voters thought Gary Lineker should not wade into the North Sea drill ban debate, while just two per cent thought he should.
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