Former England footballer Gary Lineker has announced that he is ready to welcome asylum seekers in to his home at the invitation of the scheme "Refugees at Home," a refugee sheltering charity that is trying to find hospitality for 2,250 people in the UK.
Former England footballer Gary Lineker has said that he will open up his home in Surrey, south of London, to migrants and asylum seekers in the United Kingdom. The former England striker announced on Thursday, September 3 that he was joining an initiative to house refugees organized by the charity Refugees at Home.
Lineker, who played for Tottenham and Barcelona and is today a popular TV host, has repeatedly spoken in support of immigrants and, more in general, against the closure of borders. This time, he has decided to join the effort launched by ''Refugees at Home'', an NGO seeking to find housing for 2,250 people.
'I am happy if I can help'
The footballer told the tabloid newspaper The Daily Mirror that he is not concerned by his offer to put up a refugee in his home. He told the paper: "I have met scores of young refugees through football schemes and they are genuinely lovely kids and they appreciate any help they can get." Lineker continued: "My kids are all grown up so I've got plenty of room and if I can help on a temporary basis then I'm more than happy to do so. I'm used to young men in my house. I have four lads in their 20s and believe me I'm sure they will behave better than my lot do."
5,025 migrants reportedly arrived via Channel
Lineker's decision became public after over 400 migrants on Wednesday reached Britain by crossing the Channel. It was the highest number of landings recorded in a single day since the start of this year, despite premier Boris Johnson's hardline stance against smugglers, which he reiterated on Wednesday.
At least 5,025 migrants have landed in the United Kingdom since January 1 this year, including 1,468 during the month of August. UK and French politicians have repeatedly met regarding this issue in the last few months and pledged tougher measures but this summer the numbers of those attempting to cross the Channel in small boats has continued to rise.