Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis hit back at former Conservative MP Edwina Currie on Good Morning Britain today, September 5, after she made controversial comments about the cost of living crisis. Edwina sparked outrage amongst viewers and left Martin with his head in his hands as she implored people 'not to get emotional' as energy bills rise.
The writer also told Martin that his choice of words relating to the crisis were 'not helpful', as she expressed her disapproval at the rising cost of living being described as a 'catastrophe'. She then offered tips on how to keep homes heated over the winter, with Martin stepping in to 'school' her, winning the praise of those watching along at home.
Edwina told viewers that, to save on energy bills, they could place tin foil behind their radiators, alongside other tips. While she thought she was providing helpful advice as she shunned the idea that we are in a crisis, Martin reminded her just how much bills had risen, and the likely impact this will have on families, The Mirror reports.
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She had told those in the studio and at home via video link from the Peak District: "What we have to do is not get emotional about it to the exclusion of using common sense, to try and sit down to try and think about what we can all do, whether it is in businesses or in homes. Not everyone can I accept that, but many of us can do something.
"We have to be cool and calm. Panic and emotion, it drains the energy when what we need to do is conserve the energy and use it well."
After sharing the tin foil trick, Edwina added: "If none of us do anything else and expect everything to continue... we are not helping ourselves and part of all of this is actually helping ourselves, as well as expecting the government and the local authorities [to help]."
Edwina then used Germany as a case study, explaining how the country has decided to turn street lamps off and have shops reduce their lighting. Whilst telling Edwina that she had some great advice, Martin informed the former Junior Health Minister that these tips alone would not work alone to help bring bills down.
As a result, the pair clashed live on-air, as Edwina told Martin his choice of words were not helpful for people and their mental health. Martin asked the guest: "Edwina, isn't that a catastrophe? Isn't that a catastrophe? Let's be honest."
The former MP replied: "It doesn't help using words like that Martin," to which he retaliated: "But it is a catastrophe, you may not like the language."
Edwina went back: "The language is not helpful," as Martin then retorted: "You can't ignore the rise in bills, that's what is a catastrophe it is not my language, it's the practice of what is happening."
She then finished: "Let me get a word in edgeways," before urging people to get a piece of paper and work out what they can do to make their lives "easier".
Viewers at home were quick to criticise Edwina's 'out of touch' comments, whilst many praised Martin for hitting back. Bertha Mason wrote on Twitter: "Dear God. The stupidity of Edwina Currie. Does she not understand that if you can't afford to put your radiators on, all the tinfoil in the world won't help you?"
Tweeting Martin Lewis, SunderlandLollipops said: "Thank you so much for your contribution on @gmb today. So good to see someone who knows their stuff taking on the completely out of touch Currie."
"@MartinSLewis thank you for standing up to that out of touch wealthy woman," Misha Moller wrote, "#Edwinacurrie it is "CATASTROPHE" #EnergyCrisisUK #respect to #MartinLewis #gmb"
Tanya W said: "Edwina currie is as out of date as my food ! She’s not got a bloody clue, people ARE doing more than putting on jumpers already"
Dave wrote: "@MartinSLewis schooling @Edwina_Currie, you love to see it #gmb."
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