MP marks Gary Lineker's contribution to Match Of The Day in Commons motion
Football fans will 'deeply miss' Lineker's 'warmth, wit and wisdom' following his departure from the BBC show on Sunday, according to Independent MP Shockat Adam.
Lineker first hosted Match Of The Day in 1999 and he will leave his presenting role at the BBC following the final episode for the 2024/25 season.
The 64-year-old's early exit from the corporation came after he made an unreserved apology for a now-deleted social media post criticised as antisemitic.
It means Lineker will no longer front the corporation's coverage of the 2026 World Cup or the FA Cup next season.
Mr Adam, the MP for Leicester South, wrote in his early day motion (EDM) tabled in the Commons: 'That this House pays tribute to the extraordinary career and enduring legacy of Gary Lineker as he retires from his role on Match Of The Day.
'(It) celebrates him not only as one of England's greatest ever goal scorers and a former England team captain, but as the beating heart of Leicester City FC, the club he has always called home.
'(It) applauds his unwavering composure, both as a player renowned for his calmness under pressure and as a broadcaster whose clarity and humour became the voice of Saturday nights for millions.
'(It) acknowledges his immense charitable work, including tireless support for children's cancer charities, vital donations to the British Red Cross during the Covid-19 pandemic, and his critical role in rescuing Leicester City FC from financial ruin in 2002.
'(It) honours his achievements on the pitch, including the 1986 World Cup Golden Boot and leading England to the semi-finals in 1990; and believes that football fans across the nation will deeply miss his warmth, wit, and wisdom, and wishes him the very best in his well-earned retirement from the show.'
EDMs allow MPs to express an opinion, publicise a cause or support a position.
It is rare for them to be debated.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Single cask whisky celebrates Highland Games linked to Robert the Bruce
The men were from Ceres, which is situated about two miles from Cupar and has a population of around 1000. Upon their return from battle, King Robert the Bruce decreed the village should have a Highland Games and market every year in June to celebrate their contribution to one of the greatest moments in Scotland's history. Since then, the games has been held every year apart from during the two World Wars and the Covid pandemic, with this year's event set to be the 711th edition. It stands as Scotland's oldest free Highland Games and continues to attract visitors from all over the world where spectators come to enjoy traditional event such as the caber toss and Highland dancing. READ MORE: Rabbie Burns-linked estate to be turned into whisky distillery This year, a commemorative single cask whisky has been bottled to mark the Ceres Highland Games' incredible history. The 10-year-old single malt from Linkwood distillery in Elgin has been bottled by Fife-based independent bottlers Fib Whisky in collaboration with the village's pub, the Ceres Inn. There are just 350 bottles of the whisky being sold and £2 from each bottle will go directly towards funding the Games in the years to come. Lennox Harrower, the pub's owner who has been supporting the games for the 16 years he has been there, explained how the label on the whisky pays tribute to the event's origins. 'The label itself is based on a photograph of a gentleman throwing the Ceres Staine,' he told the Sunday National. (Image: Fib Whisky) 'That [the Ceres Staine] sits here in the Ceres Inn, 364 days of the year, and its thrown about at the games. 'I asked [Fib] if we could have the Bannockburn memorial in the background too. So we've got a really funky design, which people find really nice.' The Bannockburn memorial is situated just down the road from the Ceres Inn and was erected in 1914 to commemorate the men of the village who fought alongside King Robert. The history of the village's Highland Games and the Scottish traditions it celebrates draws thousands of people to Ceres every year, with the last couple of editions bringing in around 4000 people. Harrower said: 'It's a huge event for the village. (Image: Supplied) 'Ceres hasn't reinvented itself as much as a lot of the fishing villages have, but we have the games which brings people in. 'We've had various celebs here in the past like Gordon Ramsay and Gino [D'Acampo].' Traditionally held on the last Saturday in June – and the closest Saturday to the anniversary of Bannockburn – key events that are featured include the caber toss, Highland dancing, sheaf toss, shot put and wrestling, as well as the throwing of the Ceres Staine. It is accompanied by a traditional market, with the games day also preceded by a week of community events including a youth five-a-side football tournament and quizzes. READ MORE: 'Disappointment' as Scottish Highland Games cancelled for 2024 Asked if the iconic history of the event is what draws people to it, games committee member John Hudson said: 'I think it's part of it for sure. 'We get a lot of visitors from all over Scotland but from all over the world too. We get tremendous interest from Americans and Australians. (Image: Supplied) 'I think part of it is also the Scottish culture, the Highland dancing and the traditional heavy events. Everyone wants to see a caber being thrown in the air and a 56lb weight being thrown over a bar.' But Hudson admits that even with a great story behind the village games, it is it becoming more challenging every year to host the event, with the cost having almost doubled in just the last few years. The Loch Lomond Highland Games have been called off this year due to budget cuts and, more locally to Ceres, the Cupar event has been disbanded due to a struggle to secure enough volunteers. Asked if he was confident about the future of the Ceres event, Hudson said: 'We're not confident, not at all. It is a concern. 'We've seen Cupar go, Lomond is not happening this year. It's very difficult to get people involved in the committee. 'A few years ago it was costing us about £15,000 to run the games, it's now costing us close to £30,000. 'It takes an awful lot of effort and a lot of people. On games day we probably need more than 50 volunteers. Last year, we had about 90. 'We need new blood and younger people to come in and take on the jobs.' To find out more about the Highland Games in Ceres, click here.
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
TV presenter Amy Irons can't wait to celebrate this year's Pride of Scotland winners
The broadcaster hails the unsung heroes set to be honoured at our People's Oscars BBC presenter Amy Irons has interviewed world-class actors, footballers and musicians but admits it's the unsung heroes at our Pride of Scotland Awards who leave her starstruck. The News at Seven anchor said every year our inspirational winners blow her away and their stories have her reaching for the tissues. Amy, 34, who has stocked up on waterproof mascara for next week's glittering ceremony, said: 'Every time I go to the Pride of Scotland Awards I end up crying the whole way through. 'Seeing people who are so deserving of recognition and don't realise it themselves is totally humbling and although their stories leave me a blubbering wreck they also uplift my soul. 'These modest and caring individuals have all achieved the extraordinary and never look for recognition so seeing them celebrated is a beautiful thing. 'You only have to look at how many big stars come every year to support the event to realise just how worthy all the winners in that room are.' Amy, who will be among a host of celebrities walking the red carpet at our 2025 People's Oscars on Monday 23, added: 'Last year's community champions Sarah Miller and Molly Cudihy left a lasting impression on me. 'The best friends met in hospital while undergoing cancer treatment as teenagers and despite their own health battles managed to raise more than £300,000 to support other sick children. 'Their selflessness really struck a chord with me - at the lowest and hardest point in their lives their first thoughts were for others. They are just remarkable young girls.' Amy, who is the daughter of former Dunfermline and Partick Thistle player Davie Irons, said the Awards also highlight the impact Scottish bravehearts are making all over the world. The Sportscene presenter, who hosted the BBC's high-profile Hogmanay 2024 show, said: 'Scots are making a huge difference in every corner of the world. 'Just look at 2024 winner firefighter John Aitchison who was deployed to Nepal following the devastating 2015 earthquake and was so moved by what he saw that he returned to provide aid and has set up Everest's first fire and rescue service. 'Scotland is jam packed with unsung heroes who are not only making a big impact on their own communities but are leaving a mark across the globe.' Joining Amy on the red carpet at the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises will be a host of stars including singer Susan Boyle, Game of Thrones star James Cosmo, Sheli McCoy aka Sabre the Gladiator and Strictly stars JJ Chalmers and Dr Punam Krishan. The TV personality, who started in broadcasting 10 years ago and has become one of the most popular presenters on the box, said: 'Pride of Scotland is the biggest event in the Awards calendar and the wealth of stars, sports people, politicians and musicians who attend is phenomenal. 'But for me the unsung heroes will always be the biggest stars of the night and no movie star or celebrity will ever outshine them.' Amy, who hosts popular podcast Sacked in the Morning podcast with former Scotland manager Craig Levein, admitted her personal Pride of Scotland is her mum Fiona Hird. The broadcaster, whose brother Lewis, 32, does match commentaries on the radio for Sportsound and the TV for Sportscene, said: 'I know I am biased but my mum is one of life's unsung heroes who goes above and beyond for everyone else. 'For the past 20 years she has been working with Fabb Scotland providing Respite weekends for disabled young people and on top of that she is now Chief Exec of Glasgow's Golden Generation charity which tackles loneliness among the elderly. She also cares for my granny who has dementia. 'Like all the winners recognised at Pride she goes about what she does quietly and never seeks recognition. She is truly one in a million.' Amy is still pondering what to wear on the red carpet at the glitzy event, which will be hosted by Sanjeev Kohl and Elaine C Smith. She said: 'It's nice to have the opportunity to get all dressed up and celebrate all that is good about Scotland. I haven't settled on an outfit yet but I will be bringing a handbag to hide all my tissues in. It's going to be another emotional and uplifting night.'
BBC News
4 hours ago
- BBC News
BBC Audio Liz Carr
Actress and disability campaigner, Liz Carr, is probably best known for her role as forensic examiner, Clarissa Mullery, in the TV crime drama, Silent Witness. She's also done comedy, theatre and even written a musical, about what she calls 'assisted suicide'. Last year she fronted the award-winning BBC TV documentary, Better Off Dead, making the case against assisted dying. Born and raised in Merseyside, Liz Carr became seriously ill when she was seven and has used a wheelchair since she was eleven. Whilst studying law at Nottingham University, she got involved in politics, disabled rights and activism. As her public profile grew she became a powerful voice in the debates over assisted dying. As the assisted dying bill returns to the Commons this week, with MPs debating and voting on a series of contentious amendments, Mark Coles speaks to Liz's friends and colleagues about her acting, comedy and campaigning. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Sally Abrahams and Nik Sindle Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Sound: Neil Churchill Editor: Nick Holland Credits: Silent Witness: 'Covenant part 2' (2017) BBC/Cipango Productions Audiovisuelles/Dir. David Drury Better Off Dead (2024); Burning Bright Productions/ BBC/Dir. James Routh Hardtalk – Stephen Sackur interviews Liz Carr Dirty Dancing (1987) Great American Films Limited Partnership/Vestron Pictures/Dir. Emile Ardolino
