Mainland Europe has been hit with a Coronavirus third wave as countries such as France desperately try to get a handle on rising cases. However, Good Morning Britain presenter Ben Shephard hit out at Kwasi Kwarteng today when the Business Secretary failed to clarify whether France would be placed on the UK’s red list of travel ban countries.
Susanna Reid began: “There has been an issue all along about what’s happening at our borders.
“Right now we do not want the importation of different variants because that is going to threaten our health.
“Now France is currently experiencing infections of almost 40,000 daily, we have fewer than 5,000.
“There were a larger number of deaths in France daily than we have here and almost 5,000 people in intensive care in France. Why is France not on our red list.”
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“I think the issue in France has emerged quite quickly, there’s clearly a third wave that’s come about and that’s exactly why we’re focussed on the vaccine rollout,” Kwarteng replied.
“As I’ve said we have half the amount of people in our country vaccinated and France has about eight percent.”
Shephard asked: “Will you put France on the red list? You’re absolutely right it’s happening quickly but we need to react quickly.
“The one thing we’ve come to understand is the Government has been slow to react on a number of occasions.”
“You’re the Business Secretary so you must understand the economics of that and explain to us there’s a reason why we can’t put them on the red list or actually yes we feel they should be going on the red list,” Shephard hit back.
“All we’re saying is that we’re reviewing the policy and there are lots of things were have to balance,” the Business Secretary answered.
“That’s all you’ve said about everything we’ve asked you this morning,” Shephard quipped.
“Of course,” Kwarteng said. “That’s the nature of Government. I know you want me to come on here and make immediate snap judgements all the time.
“But a lot of what we do in Government is looking at data and trying to come up with reasoned policies.”
GMB viewers weren’t impressed with the interview as one tweeted: “These interviews are so dreary since the departure of @piersmorgan #GMB.”
Another wrote: “What’s the point of this guy being on here? #GMB.”
“Is Kwarteng asleep or can he just not be a***d #gmb,” someone else asked.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV at 6am.