

31 Dec 2025 · 35m · 19 chapters

In this episode of Bold Politics, host Zack Polanski engages with Gary Lineker, discussing a variety of topics from sports to activism, politics, and social issues. The conversation touches upon Lineker's experiences, views on the BBC, the responsibilities of public figures, and broader political themes concerning empathy, humanitarianism, and the need for progressive change.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes.
Gary shares his favorite football moments and goals from his career.
“Well, I actually scored the only goal in my whole career from outside the box.”
Gary discusses his commitment to advocating for migrants and refugees.
“So the reason it was important to me was that I've kind of always been to humanitarian issues, not, you know, around the world, etc.”
Gary emphasizes the need for empathy towards those fleeing crisis.
“But overall, there are thousands and thousands of thousands of people that work for the BBC that are really, really good people that do excellent jobs.”
Gary shares his views on the BBC's impartiality and its influence.
“and now talking about impartiality or news organisations you have your own podcast organisation, Goalhanger, which is doing incredibly well.”
Discussion on the role of podcasts in shaping political conversations.
“I know Alistair said in terms of the audience feedback, the vast majority of audience feedback was actually on my side.”
Learn how long-form podcasts offer deeper insight into politicians.
“I mean, I think especially it's probably valuable for politicians, I think, because normally you'll go on.”
Explore the importance of empathy and kindness in political leadership.
“I know the argument is ideally you do both.”
Understand the impact of media selection on political narratives.
“And thirdly, of course, all of the profits are going to nature restoration.”
Learn about Gary's early political influences and experiences.
“You said you don't talk about who you vote for, and I'm definitely not going to ask you, but I'm interested in you politically.”
Examine the intersection of football and politics in society.
“So from my own experience, I know a difficult camp.”
Gain insights on handling public criticism and scrutiny.
“And it's like when the opposition crowd sing your name.”
Explore the essential qualities people seek in political parties.
“and being incredibly rude to each other.”
Discuss the political dimensions of climate change and environmental action.
“Obviously, he's not a hugely charismatic leader, but I don't necessarily think that's important.”
Exploring the role of grassroots community energy in combating inequality and the far right.
“And as I said, again, there are the answers out there.”
Discussing the ongoing situation in Gaza and the quest for peace in 2026.
“I mean, obviously, we've got a ceasefire, but it's not really a ceasefire at the moment.”
Analyzing the role of truthful journalism in understanding global conflicts.
“Like, it almost feels ridiculous that we have to say that children dying, or in fact anyone dying who's innocent, is wrong.”
Examining the balance between neutrality and advocacy in media coverage of crises.
“But it's very difficult to believe them.”
Drawing parallels between Leicester City's success and political resilience.
Discussing personal thoughts on politics and the importance of kindness in society.
“and then we'll see On the subject of truth Leicester City had a pretty phenomenal win what can the Green Party or any political party learn from Leicester City?”

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Automatic transcript. May contain errors.
0:28Some guests need no introduction. Thank you so much for coming into Bold Politics. I told my boyfriend's uncle that you were coming on, Uncle Raj, and he said there is a question you need to ask him. So I want to start with this and I hope you're ready for it. I think so, fire away. When you were playing for Spurs, what was your favourite goal? Oh, wow. Well, I actually scored the only goal in my whole career from outside the box. Well, proper screamer in the top corner against Man United at Old Trafford. but I'd probably say the goals against Arsenal in the semi-final the FA Cup in 1991 because they were on for the double we weren't fancied very much and we smashed them and I got two I got the two goals that no one remembers because the other goal in that game was scored by Gazza from like 30 yards in the top corner, a free kick but I remember them Nice, we're going to have to overlaid the visual with that with the goals so everyone can see it again It's in black and white I'm not going to dive deeper into football because otherwise I'm going to get lost in this conversation.
1:28Although I do support Forest Green Rovers, the vegan football team, so shout out to them. One of the things I most associate you with, though, is your amazing solidarity with migrants and refugees. I've just got back from a few days in Calais and seen the conditions. Why has it been important to use your platform to speak out for people? I don't think it's been important in terms of the public perception, but it's important to me. I just felt that sometimes they're treated really badly when it's unfair. If you imagine you're on a journey from somewhere, you're fleeing war or persecution or whatever reason it is, and you want to go somewhere else because you've perhaps got family there or something like that, or you speak that language.
2:20I know it's an issue, immigration, I know it's difficult and you can't take everybody, but I think we should do our fair share and look after people. But I just have, I don't know, I have empathy towards their situation and I think there's a small percentage that are the opposite. So I felt it was quite important to use my platform to perhaps speak on behalf of those that don't have a voice. I mean imagine if something happened in London and we were being bombed or something now you might think that's unimaginable but the way the world's going who knows and then we have to flee and you've got nowhere to go and yes it'll become imagine what position you will be in to have to put yourself in those circumstances where you've got to flee your country because no one wants to leave their own home if they don't have to so it's just really I think we should share a little bit more empathy and respect and try and find some legal routes to get them in.
3:20So the reason it was important to me was that I've kind of always been to humanitarian issues, not, you know, around the world, etc. So, you know, I waded in a little bit and sometimes it was difficult and it has been difficult, but I still think it was the right thing to do. Well, you're characteristically humble because you said, you know, it was important to you, but you kind of maybe dismissed the idea that it was important for the national conversation. But I push back on that. I think your intervention was incredibly important because you're not a politician. I think very often when politicians say things, sadly, a lot of the public switch off because they go, it's just politics.
3:57But to have someone who has, I would say, national treasure status to say this is important because they're human beings. Actually, I think that cuts through in ways that politics sometimes can't. Well, I hope so. I hope so. Obviously, I've always had an interest in these kind of issues. I'm very interested in politics, etc. But I've never really given my political view on things, but only really in humanitarian issues. I've never told anyone on social media who I think they should vote for. I've not even told people who I voted for ever. So I don't want to push it that way, but I just feel, and even more so I think after the experience of housing refugees.
4:37So I think it brings it home. You hear people's stories, and I think everyone, And when they hear personal stories, it makes a difference to you. Sure. And you said there about using your platform and sometimes it getting you into a little bit of trouble. I think it's a very obvious conversation to have around the BBC. I suppose I want to caveat with, you know, I really believe in institutions and I believe the BBC is a really important democratic institution. And so we have someone like Farage who I think would absolutely love to destroy the BBC and replace it with kind of their own propaganda machines.
5:11I also think it's fair to say there's times when the BBC have absolutely got it wrong. And I think your case is one of those exact examples. How are you feeling about the BBC and that whole episode? Well, I love the BBC. I was there for nearly three decades. So I have a great affinity with the institution. I still think it remains the most trusted news organisation in the world. We can agree or disagree on certain issues. I think they've got a little bit broad into this whole impartiality thing and I think that that makes it very, very difficult for them. It was originally just for news and current affairs, newsreaders, etc.
5:51But then they branched out and made it all-encompassing for everybody. Even though we'd been on social media for years, we were expected to suddenly change. And I thought that was difficult. But overall, there are thousands and thousands of thousands of people that work for the BBC that are really, really good people that do excellent jobs. But I think it's tied itself up in knots a little bit with the impartiality thing, because I think what we really need is truth and reporting in that sense. It's impossible to be impartial on everything, on everything. It's not, you know, if you've got, if 49 people come in and say the earth is round and one person comes, you don't need to have one person out of 50 to come in and say, no, it's flat.
6:35So I think that is the case. My personal issues, it was difficult. It was over a long period of time. I had lots and lots of great times at the BBC. I love the people that work there. I think at the top at the moment, there's a bit probably too much influence from previous governments, et cetera. I think they probably need to look at the way that people are brought in at the top of the BBC that ultimately make the big decisions and the influence that they have on certain things. So I think it needs to be careful. But I still say again that it's the most trusted news source, I think, certainly in terms of that genre of the media.
7:16And can I push you because you said that some of the people at the top are making the decisions. Do you think, well, let me put my cards on the table. but I think there's a huge problem there. Would you agree with that? I think there's definitely a problem there. I think in the way that... I mean, a government comes in and they decide who might be the chairman or who else might be on the board, and those people will obviously be partial. I mean, because you know, you look at their history of what they've done, one or two of them, and you know that they've got a background in certain areas. So it's quite easy to see that.
7:50I think it needs to be done with more of a neutral perspective. And that's where, I think that's where, if they're going to talk about interpartiality, start at the top. Start at the top. Because people say, well, the BBC's left-leaning if you're on the right, and then you'll say it's right-leaning if you're on the left. And the truth is, tens of thousands of people work for the BBC, and they're all kinds of political stances. Probably overall, they might lean to the left, I don't know. but they're not the people that ultimately can influence the way the BBC sees itself. I think the BBC tries to be impartial, I genuinely do and I think all the people that make the programmes are like that and yes, they've made mistakes, of course they have.
8:32It's a huge institution, they're going to make mistakes and there are difficulties and it's also a question of, it's very hard to please everyone because I used to describe it in a way that with the Match of the Day running order. I'm sorry Zach, I'm just bringing it back to football slightly, but we did the match of the day running order for, you know, obviously we discuss, watch the games, then we discuss where they go in the pecking order of the show. So we'll get lots and lots and lots of complaints about that, but the complaints are always from the fan of the team that they think is on too low in the, it's never from a neutral and I think that probably applies to even in politics.
9:14People will always see bias but it's often their bias so it's incredibly difficult for the BBC but I think at the moment there's too much political influence from the very top I just want to clarify I'd love a game of football in a conversation around it I think I might be out of my depth and strategy well I hope so I hope I know more about football than you say it'd be a problem if not and now talking about impartiality or news organisations you have your own podcast organisation, Goalhanger, which is doing incredibly well. How kind of cognizant are you of the responsibility of having lots of podcasts going out and lots of different people with different opinions but actually in some ways that's partly informing the political agenda?
9:59I think so. We've got two or three political podcasts. Obviously you were on one very recently and you caused a bit of a stir, Zach. I must say you're good for business. Thank you very much. And yeah, obviously we've got one that's another the spin-off of The Rest is Politics, Rest is Politics US. I do have beef with Rory Stewart, but I won't bring it into this podcast. I know you have. I was listening to Rory's episode out today where Rory addresses it and says lots of nice things about US. That's good to know. You should have a listen.
10:30I've forgotten the question now. It's about the whole... I think what we try to do, and we say it's the whole motto of our politics, is to disagree agreeably. and Rory and Alistair, obviously from both sides of the equation, probably obviously fairly central, both of them, one way, one to the left, one to the right. But we wanted to do something when we started that got people talking about politics in a non-aggressive way. Obviously, you know, you ask questions sometimes. I mean, the one you went on was leading, which was a spin-off of that as well. But generally, I think they try and inform, make politics more interesting.
11:10That's what we wanted to do. because there's so much hatred out there. It's so venomous at times, political debate. And you just think, I mean, you're into politics, you'd know it better than me, but it must be sometimes. Again, I'd hope so. Well, no, but that's it. It's very difficult for us to get the best people into politics. A, it's not paid particularly well, relatively speaking, for the importance of the job. But I think, secondly, there's so much bile out there and so much hate. there's a lot of love as well if you're on that side but it just seems so overly vituperous that I think that we wanted to, not that we tried to we're going to change the whole political spectrum we're not going to do that with our thing but we wanted to make something that would be interesting to ourselves and I think they definitely do that and they're very informed Did you learn anything from that going ahead?
12:04I learned lots, now the trust of former Tory but do you not expect people to ask questions like that i'm going to just spin this around a little i think no i think it's absolutely right and the lesson i've taken is because i was told i was going to be asked about bullying and anti-semitism and that part of the conversation i thought was lovely and i know rory said that i do think that's a different headspace though if you're making yourself very vulnerable to go i'm going to tell my life story and then suddenly to be fired with questions about numbers felt to me reductive but i also take it on the chin in terms of you've just got to always up your game.
12:35I've only been, I think Alistair Campbell said this, you know, I've only been a leader for two, three months. And so you learn very quickly. I also, I thought it was interesting. I know Alistair said in terms of the audience feedback, the vast majority of audience feedback was actually on my side. It's positive, yeah. And said, yeah, we thought he gave a good interview. Do you think audiences are changing then in terms of people are so sick of a status quo that actually even if a politician is flawed, and I accept I've got lots of flaws, if ever I don't have flaws, well, then I need to quit because you're in a place where I think a lot of our politics are where they think they don't have flaws and they've got all the right answers.
13:09Do you think the podcast is occupying that space in order to shift that conversation? I think what's really changed is that we were given this view nowadays, aren't we, that youngsters have got no time span patience. They just want to be on their phones and they're doing something this, they might just watch two minutes on YouTube. I think what we've found is the complete opposite to that. Our audiences skew very young. Generally, I think politics average age listener is just around 30 to 33. History is the same as well. Interestingly, you wouldn't have thought so, you know, listening to two middle aged white blokes talking about politics or history.
13:50But I think what it shows is that they do have a capacity to listen at length. And I think that's what podcasts do. They give you that time to actually give you views. I mean, I think especially it's probably valuable for politicians, I think, because normally you'll go on. Someone's got a thing and ask you five times to try and get you to say something and then you're off. You're out. Whereas podcast, you know, even if even if you take umbrage at something like you did. Overall, you know, you did quite a long time and and it gives you a chance to for people to get to know you a little bit, to see what you are actually like, what you're about, rather than even though you felt it was obviously a bit gotcha, I don't think it was listening.
14:33But I think even if you go on TV and those gotcha interviews, I mean, they're very difficult things to do. But I think it just really shows that young people are interested in things and they will listen and they can listen or watch something for above two minutes. To also be clear, I was really appreciative of the platform. It's a huge platform. I know lots of people join the party after listening to it. So actually, I'm incredibly appreciative. I'm curious, though, I'm going to push this a little bit more, though, too. In terms of what you want from a politician, so I'm talking to Gary the Human now as opposed to Gary who owns Goalhanger, do you want a politician who can repeat numbers off a spreadsheet but not really have that humanity at heart, or is it really about the values and principles?
15:14I know the argument is ideally you do both. Well, that was going to be my answer. But, I mean, obviously, I think it's really important to... I mean, I think there's so much division in the country now. I think if we can get back to a bit of kindness, and I actually think 80%, 90 % of the people in this country, they just want to get on with their lives, be friendly with their neighbours. They don't look at people with different skin colours and different religions and beliefs and traits and think badly of them. I just think, you know, we've got, I think there's probably 80 % in the middle and then 10 % either end that go one way or the other.
15:49But I think from the very top sometimes we're divided deliberately to distract and stuff like that. So what do I want from my politician? I want empathy and kindness. But obviously you've got to back it up with political views. You've got to tell people how you're going to get somewhere, what you're going to do. So, yeah, I think it's an all-round mix that people want in their politicians. but I think it's been tough. I don't think we've been led brilliantly, let's say, over the last, I don't know, couple of decades probably. Sounds like an understatement, I think. And in terms of the clips that get selected, because it's true we have those long-form podcasts but we know on this podcast too that if you could take a certain clip and sometimes make the podcast seem like a different conversation than the longer conversation.
16:42Because again, we come back to a BBC conversation. There's a lot of power in loading a media organisation. each of our podcasts has a team around it and they'll have a group chat as well which is where they'll discuss things and what to do we think they're pretty responsible there's going to be and there has been the odd time where we've gone oh no no no they've done something now take that down please across all podcasts not necessarily political ones if you suddenly spot a factual error or something let's try and do something to rest that I always think on this podcast if we're not pushing hard enough to make mistakes, then we're not actually doing the work.
17:19And sometimes you should trip up. And I think as long as you own it. Yeah, it's inevitable. Everyone makes mistakes. I mean, they were myself recently.
17:29Zach has signed up to EcoTalk. He's taken the great plunge. Why has he done that? Well, he's a man who sees sense. Firstly, brilliant network coverage. Secondly, fantastic customer service. And thirdly, of course, all of the profits are going to nature restoration. Yes, we're spending them on rewilding. And you can go to our website to see what we're up to. You can also get some wildlife tips from yours truly. So come on, follow his lead and sign up to EcoTalk. All you've got to do is go to ecotalk.co.uk and it's simple, absolutely simple. And look at the benefits. Life is beautiful.
18:13You said you don't talk about who you vote for, and I'm definitely not going to ask you, but I'm interested in you politically. Kind of growing up, was politics at kind of the heart of things, or was this something that happened in later life? No, my dad was quite interested in politics. He was a Thatcherite, my dad. He really was, yeah. I mean, he was a small business, a very small businessman. It was a fruit stall in Leicester Market. So I was, you know, raised by... I mean, he was openly... Not he was not politically active, but he was opening his support for the Tories and Thatcher around that time.
18:47And how did you feel about that growing up? Well, I didn't really engage that much growing up. I used to listen and I was reasonably interested and then I started playing football and then I went abroad and then it broadens your horizons and you get different experiences of different people. So I think that's when I started to get... I mean, people say, you know, sport and politics, you can't mix them. But politics isn't everything. Right. Everything. It's unavoidable. So you can't just say things like that. I mean, look, I mean, FIFA have always said, well, we don't want to get involved in politics.
19:21Now what do they do? They give a peace prize to Donald Trump. So don't get me started on that. But so you've got to, you know, think about these things, really, I think. and when you were in football teams without I'm not asking you to divulge the opinions of your teammates but were there political conversations or are you just focused on the game I can't recall many no I don't think so I would imagine it's the same now as well and I know footballers will be discouraged nowadays to involve themselves in politics to engage in any way I mean, the clubs are nervous, the agents are nervous, and anyone puts their foot in the wrong place because you're constantly treading on eggshells if you go down a political avenue.
20:09And you said, you know, politics isn't everything, but it feels that football is inherently very political in terms of how expensive seats are, who gets the rights to show things, the laces that teams are allowed to play. How important do you think it is that football players do use their platform, or do you kind of have the respect if I'm just going to keep out of it? I don't judge any player whether they do or not. It's up to them. Obviously, I have huge respect for those that are brave enough to do it on occasions. But at the same time, I won't be critical because I totally understand why they don't.
20:40Because from my own experience, you do get a lot of shit. Right. You can get a lot of it. Usually from free speech people. You always demand free speech until they disagree with you. So from my own experience, I know a difficult camp. But I always say the only person you have to look at is yourself. And at the end of the day, look in the mirror and you have to live with yourself. And the only person you can have any control on is yourself. No one else. So I think all you can really do is what you do. I would never be critical of footballers for not doing it. I totally get why they don't. In fact, it's probably a much better life just getting on, knocking the ball in the back of the net and forgetting all that.
21:24but I couldn't because I've always had an interest. Not always, but... The amazing moment a couple of years ago with Marcus Rashford around free school meals where he really, I thought, used his platform so effectively and just held himself with grace and indeed secured a government U-turn. So it can be really powerful when people do choose to go. No, I think that was really powerful. It was amazing. But I also knew at the time that the minute his form slipped a little bit, people would start to blame that. Which is exactly what happened. Which is exactly what happened down the line. and, you know, because all footballers have spells where things don't go well, you know, it can be a team problem, it can be, you know, a personal problem or mental health issues.
22:01You don't ever know because we don't hear it. But, you know, Marcus gets attacked a lot of, you know, as you would expect, because of doing that. So, which makes me even more proud of him as a young footballer to do what he did. I mean, he changed government policy. It was extraordinary. It's so lovely to hear you say that. in terms of being scrutinised and attacked it's something I know a little bit about feeling it in increasing levels well you're a politician so get ready for it if you're not but you've had it for literally your entire career what advice I guess would you give to someone who's in the public eye and being scrutinised I mean we're all built different ways some people can handle criticism I think one thing football gives you as you play through your career even before you utter a political comment not one you learn to deal with abuse you know it's a bigger problem when it's your own fans but it's generally from the away fans you know if you go to a ground and there's like 10 ,000 people saying Gary Linica Gary Linica you're a wanker you're a wanker I love that you still sing it in tune well it's never in tune with me I can't sing but yeah so I think you get used to a little bit of that I don't know whether that helps you develop a thick skin because to be a top professional footballer you need to be able to handle that you've got to be able to handle that and I think each person has to possibly deal with it in their own way.
23:24If it really affects you that badly, then I guess you're in the wrong walk of life. Can I jump in there with another question? Yeah, I'm trying to think of this. We're speaking on a day when Nigel Farage has just called me a maniac and I take that as the biggest endorsement possible and actually a lot of attacks propel me because I think if I'm rattling them that much, then the status quo in the establishment is threatened. When you're playing a game and you're being booed or you're getting abuse from the other team. Is that actually a huge motivator? It's the same thing. I was just thinking that my advice probably would be is that if people are concerned about you, then you're making waves.
24:00And it's like when the opposition crowd sing your name. That is a massive tick. That's huge respect because they're not singing about any of your other teammates. So you're the threat. So if Farage is having a go at you, I would say that's because you're a threat. I can see your teammates getting jealous that their names aren't being abused and also I used to get attacked often by the hard right that's growing, the Farage lot they're always having a pop at me all the time and I just took it as a compliment because they're worried and I don't know why as I said before I've never actually told people which party I vote for in fact I shift around I've voted for four or five different parties over the years.
24:46You've just told me your vote's winnable now, Gary. You should never do that with a politician. It's always winnable. It's always winnable. I think you've got to be like that. You can't just get yourself in trouble. I think tribalism is such a big issue. Right. I just think for all of us we're made into these tribal people and I know that's what we are naturally but I just think it leads to so much hate and despair. It's interesting hearing you say that because I often say politics is not a football team. You don't pick one and then you have to stick with it forever. If only we could sort everything out by football, wouldn't it be nice?
25:17Rather than shooting each other and killing each other and being incredibly rude to each other. Right. So then the obvious question is, what would you want from a political party? What would you want and go, that's worth voting for? Oh, I mean, what would I want? Fairness, honesty, no corruption, please. We don't want any of that. someone to care about our children and their future I think it's really important obviously you know green ticks the boxes on that because we're you know we're facing climate change and I mean there's lots of brilliant people doing lots of amazing things that can can turn that around before I hope before it's too late I've always been a big campaigner on on the climate green issues so that was the other side of it but again it's it is that political it is but but but also it's not telling people who to vote for.
26:14So, yeah, I would say approach the big things, have big ideas. It's very difficult, I think, to change the status quo. I mean, it's how it is. So, yeah, but I think honesty, fairness, and intelligence would be the most important. And my next question was going to be, have you met Keir Starmer? But that honestly wasn't meant to be a slight against him. I met him two or three times. And what was your impression? He seemed a very nice guy. I've seen a very nice guy. I think he's having a tough time. Obviously, he's not a hugely charismatic leader, but I don't necessarily think that's important. We had one of those not too long ago.
26:54So I think it's a very difficult job, but I think it's not been a great start for them. And I think overall, I don't know what their big idea is and what they're trying to change for good. I mean, there are things obviously going on that, you know, going into AI, and I think some of the greener issues have been dealt with reasonably well at times. But overall, I think it's been... And the world's in a... You know, it's very unstable at the moment as well, so it can't be a bloody difficult job. Right. And you say you don't want to... I'm paraphrasing slightly, you don't want to politicise climate change, and I totally get that, and I hear that from lots of climate organisers.
27:33I suppose my response to that would be is, I think it's inherently political. No, it totally is. That's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is it's an issue that I always wanted to talk about rather than actually saying, well, I think this party will do the best. So that was the point I was trying to make. Absolutely, it's massively important. It's massively political. Right. Because unless our politicians, our leaders all over the world, not just here, do something about it. And as I said, again, there are the answers out there. with renewable energies and there's so much progress going so quickly.
28:10I'm more hopeful than perhaps I was a couple of years ago. I suppose what I'm always looking to do is tie it to inequality. So when you talk about renewable energy, you could have community energy, which I think is one of, not the only, but one of the responses to the far right, which is to put power back into people's community, both literally and figuratively, so they can have more investment in the community energy. That can be making money that then goes back into the grid and then that money is spent on the community. how important do you think these kind of grassroots approaches are so power coming from the bottom up grassroots is always important in everything even my sport without that you've got nothing so I think we need to offer the youngsters hope and hope for a future because it's that important this is going out over Christmas so I really want to keep it light Merry Christmas everyone but also having said that I do want to ask you about Palestine and what's happening in Gaza and any reflections on that and what you hope to see in 2026?
29:08I hope to see proper peace. I mean, obviously, we've got a ceasefire, but it's not really a ceasefire at the moment. They just seem to be carried on, not quite to the extent, but people are being killed every day, and not just in Gaza, in the West Bank as well. So, I mean, obviously, I've spoken about this quite a bit, and I'd look at my phone every day and I'd cry most days when I see it. I mean, innocent kids being just killed, like snipers and bombs, and I mean, it's just immeasurably wrong. What do you think the disconnect is that the response you gave me just seems so totally obvious? Like, it almost feels ridiculous that we have to say that children dying, or in fact anyone dying who's innocent, is wrong.
29:56yet we do have politicians who seem to be turning away from it. I find it extraordinary really. I think most of the world sees it for what it is.
30:10It's so difficult to understand how this is happening and how it's been allowed to happen. Obviously October 7th was horrendous. We know that. But we also know that it didn't start on October 7th. It started a long, long time ago. And these poor people have been basically living in an outdoor prison in Gaza where they can't go in, they can't go out. The water's controlled, the electricity's controlled, all these sort of things. Life is very difficult. And, of course, Israel has the right to defend itself. But then why doesn't Palestine have the right to defend itself? It doesn't. and then the subsequent treatment we've seen I know people will disagree with this and they try and make an argument but I always say to them if you genuinely think this is kind of fabricated let journalists in obviously there's lots of journalists in Palestine in there but hundreds of them have been killed but let neutral journalists in I mean, obviously, until they do that, they can argue all they like.
31:26But it's very difficult to believe them. And because of the fact they won't let journalists in. And I think we're back to a lot of what this conversation has been actually around podcasting and news. That if people are told the stories and they're told the stories in an accurate way and they have that access to information, that's one of the most powerful tools you can have. Totally. I go back to the truth argument. Truth over impartiality or partiality. so it goes back to truth and I think I think take Alistair and Rory again I think in the early days obviously like everyone else everyone was really shocked by what happened I saw Alistair recently saying that if he's had a regret recently it's that we were too neutral in the early well not neutral but too much trying to give both sides of the story all the time and we didn't focus enough on the Palestine side but they are now obviously and I think they just they genuinely say what they think and obviously backed up by truth and truth is the important matter here and the truth will out at some point that's for sure and then we'll see On the subject of truth Leicester City had a pretty phenomenal win what can the Green Party or any political party learn from Leicester City?
32:45The miracles do happen I think that was a slight burden Gary if you've been in Leicester that was a miracle that was a sporting miracle that is a sporting miracle but yeah I mean you've come from a party what have you got four MPs four MPs for now so you know to turn that into actually winning a general election in what four years time probably would be quite astounding wouldn't it I mean realistically so which but Leicester shows those sort of things can possibly happen, Zach, so you never know. Well, I often say my strategy is to win lots more MPs. I think you should bring Claudio Ranieri in as your foreign secretary.
33:24And he'll sort it out for you. And then just finally, kind of any wishes for the new year, for the country and for people out there who are listening? Yeah, I just wish we could be kind to each other. I think most people are. But, you know, politically I don't think so at times. So, yeah, kindness. We're all together. Let's be all as one. I said finally, but there's a question everyone's going to have in the comments. When are we going to see Gary Lineker MP? Never. Never. Don't want to go to politics. I'll leave the madness to you guys. No, no, no. I'm interested in politics. Well, since my 20s, but I never want to go into politics.
34:08I mean, I get abused playing football. At this point, because I like to think of it as politics like I'm building up my squad. and one day when there's a green government we've got guests as the MPs no I don't think I'd be a very good politician do you know what I couldn't do all the handshaking and that kind of I think you're one of the few politicians could get away with it once you're in that position you don't need to shake hands yeah but it's not even just shaking hands it's like having to pretend to be nice to somebody who's absolutely awful right okay you know and you have to do a bit of that obviously I don't think I could be that diplomatic um no well i'm gonna hear that as in 2026 let's do some less diplomacy to the far right and i'll take that thank you so much gary merry christmas thank you merry christmas to you too
34:57hello zach now listen i've had a text i know improbable but true from the beavers the butterflies the beetles and the badgers it's all sending you big love for signing up they're hoping that your listeners are going to do the same by visiting ecotalk.co.uk.
Does the BBC need to make some big changes at the top to ensure true impartiality? Should we expect more footballers to be outspoken politically given their platform? Why is it so difficult for politicians to condemn atrocities committed by Israel?
Zack Polanski speaks to Gary Lineker about meeting Keir Starmer, how to deal with attacks from the far right and of course, his favourite goal for Spurs.
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