Michael Gove has come under fire for an appearance on BBC Breakfast this morning.
Mr Gove, who is the Minister for Levelling Up, appeared on the morning show to address concerns about the ongoing cost of living crisis. Recently, it has been rumoured that the government could introduce an ‘emergency budget’ to give those struggling to make ends meet a break with day-to-day costs.
However, Mr Gove rubbished that idea — and in doing so, came up with an impression of Harry Enfield’s famous ‘calm down, calm down’ Scouse. However, the comedic routine did not wash with some on social media.
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Appearing on the programme from Westminster, Mr Gove said: “We are constantly looking at ideas to relieve the pressure on people facing incredibly tough times, but that does not amount to an ‘emergency budget’, which is what some people immediately thought it did.
"It is an example of some commentators chasing their own tails, and trying to take a statement that is commonsensical, turning it into a major ‘capital letter big news story’. In fact, when the treasury say ‘calm down’, then people say instead of recognising they have over-inflated the story in the first place, then say ‘this is clearly a split’.”
Some people took to social media to express their opinion on his appearance. “I’m lost for words. There were at least three (terrible) impressions crammed into this,” Tony Bosignore commented.
Another user named David added: “It’s like a thunderbird has had its strings cut and let to roam free for the first time.” Graham Bandeira also said Mr Gove looked like a puppet: “Dear god he’s all over the place. Like a thunderbird puppet.”
Mr Gove also appeared on Sky News this morning, where he explained some of the actions Boris Johnson had taken in the past few days. He said: “There won’t be an emergency budget. It is sometimes the case that the words from a prime minister or minister are overinterpreted.
“The Prime Minister is right. We will be saying more and doing more in order to help people with the cost-of-living challenge we face at the moment, but that doesn’t amount to an emergency budget. It is part of the work of government.
“Last night the Prime Minister convened a group of ministers – we have all done work on some of the things we could do to help. Those policy initiatives will be announced by individual departments in due course as they are worked up.
“It is part of the process for a Government that is always and everywhere thinking of how we can help and how we can provide support, both short term and long term.”
