TV & Film
Minister walks out on Piers Morgan interview about UK death toll
This was awkward…
Thérèse Coffey terminated a Zoom interview with GMB leaving Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid shocked.
The work and pensions secretary walked out of the television interview on Monday branding it ‘insulting’.
It came after the minister was in a back and forth with presenter Piers Morgan over the UK’s high coronavirus death toll.
Coffey told the presenter that the UK’s awful Covid-19 death rate was due to the country’s obesity problem and ageing population. Firstly Piers thanked the MP for finally pointing out some reasons why.
He said: “None of your colleagues last week could give us any! You’ve given us two now – ageing population and obesity.
“So are you saying that the reason for us having the worst death rate in the world is because of the public? We’re too old and we’re too fat?”
When Piers suggested this, the minister replied: “I think that’s a very insulting thing that you’ve just said.”
“I’m conscious that there are a variety of factors that would have sadly led to being ill during this time, sadly that translating into deaths.
“I’m very conscious that this is a very serious impact that our prime minister was in hospital, in intensive care himself last April. I am conscious that we want to have a wrap-around response from people”
When Piers interjected with: “What did you find insulting, out of interest? What did you find insulting?”
She replied: “I also have to point out that you started this interview late. Unfortunately, I have to go to other broadcasters as well, and I wish we had more time.”
But Piers was quick to point out the government have had plenty of time while they were boycotting the programme.
The presenter responded: “I haven’t interviewed you since May, so you can come back any time.
“It was you that boycotted the programme. Please don’t play the ‘we haven’t given you enough time’ card, because we gave you eight months and you didn’t turn up.”
But Coffey had had enough of the interview, reaching to turn her camera off, her last words to Piers and Susanna were: “I’m sorry Piers, I’m going to have to go to another broadcasters. Piers, I’m sorry but I’m going to have to go. You’ve already had 20 minutes of my time, I appreciate your time as well.”
As the screen switched off Piers fumed: She throws out two reasons why we have the worst death toll in the world, apparently – we have an ageing population – so we’re too old, and we have an obesity problem – we’re too fat.
“When I said, ‘So it’s the public’s fault, is it? We’re too fat and it’s nothing to do with the government.’ I was the one insulting?!”