Video
Minister criticised by TV presenter for saying 'absolutely nothing' in interview
Robert Jenrick appears on BBC Breakfast - Credit: BBC
A television presenter has criticised a government minister for appearing on BBC Breakfast to say "absolutely nothing".
Charlie Stayt was interviewing Robert Jenrick, the communities secretary, about newspaper headlines suggesting large-scale coronavirus restrictions are about to hit the north of England.
But rather than explaining what the reports mean and defending the restrictions, Jenrick was accused of appearing on the morning programme and saying "absolutely nothing".
Stayt noted that Jenrick was unable to say when things were going to be brought in, but asked if he could at least rule some things out provide some certainty to the public.
The minister explained: "I'm not going to rule things in or out, we are trying to take a localised approach, we are trying to agree a greater consistency to the rules so they're easier to understand. And we're also trying to work on slightly broader campuses of regions and cities and counties, to avoid differences in people's daily lives if they drive over the board from one place or another.
"The precise measures that we choose for those places we're going to announce in the coming days," explained the minister.
But an angered presenter told him: "I'm slightly confounded by your approach this morning. Is it responsible for the government to have headlines in the newspapers saying this decision is definitely coming on Monday...
Most Read
- 1 Pro-Brexit fishing campaigner says Boris Johnson's deal has left her with 'no fish'
- 2 Nigel Farage reminded of claim that 'acid test of Brexit' surrounds fishing after clip resurfaces
- 3 European parliament agrees to add British overseas territories to post-Brexit tax haven blacklist
- 4 Ed Miliband mocks Kwasi Kwarteng's 'road to Damascus conversion'
- 5 Telegraph columnist blames Angela Merkel for Brexit
- 6 Piers Morgan causes hilarity with 'Priti Patel with a brain' jibe
- 7 Backlash over Tory MP receiving Covid-19 vaccine despite not being classed as vulnerable
- 8 Brussels to launch campaign teaching younger Britons about the EU
- 9 SNP MP asks Priti Patel why she has not stood down following UK border comments
- 10 Boris Johnson to visit Scotland this week in attempt to shore up the union
"And you've come on on this programme and said absolutely nothing."
But Jenrick defended his appearance on the breakfast programme, explaining. "I don't think it's sensible for me - in all due respect - to be speculating about the measures. It's much better they're considered carefully with our scientific advisers and then announced in a measured way".
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
