Nick, Robbie and Ian

The BBC Board's Editorial Guidelines and Standard Committee met by video on March 9th, two days after Gary Lineker's tweet. 

There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 7, 2023

The meeting was chaired by Sir Nick Serota, with Sir Robbie Gibb and Ian Hargreaves as members. Not able to take part, even by video: DG Tim Davie, and CEO News Deborah Turness. 

"The Committee discussed the tweet by Gary Lineker on the proposed Government policy regarding people arriving on small boats. The Committee was in agreement that this was a serious matter of concern, especially in the light of previous problems with a lack of impartiality in his social media output. Nick Serota would register the Committee’s view with the Director-General and offer him its support in any action he might feel necessary. The Committee agreed that the social media guidance should be reviewed for clarity"

The following day Gary was told to 'step back' from presenting Match of the Day.