ITV Good Morning Britain aired footage of an empty chair on their programme today (Friday August 5) after government ministers failed to show up.
It comes after the Bank of England warned the UK is facing the longest recession since the financial crisis and predicted inflation will peak at more than 13 per cent as gas price soar. The Bank of England said it will raise interest rates by 0.5 percentage points to 1.75 per cent on Thursday - the largest single hike for 27 years.
As always, Good Morning Britain invited government ministers onto the show to shed clarity on issues which affect millions of people across the country. However, ITV producers were told ministers did not have time.
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Appearing alongside Ben Shephard on the programme, host Charlotte Hawkins said: "The government is facing criticism for being absent at a time of crisis and we did invite a minister on the show. This morning we were told that they didn't have time in their busy schedule so this is what we're looking at at the moment - an empty chair in Westminster. It's ready and waiting. We're watching - it's ready when you are.
"So if any ministers are watching, we're ready when you are. It's a very crucial day, I think, for everybody watching, for all our viewers looking for answers about what needs to be done. It's a worrying time for people."
"Quite," Ben agreed. "Kwasi Kwarteng is doing some of the rounds this morning but whether he chooses to join us... we'd love to have him in. If there is any ministers out there that would be willing to answer some those questions, it would be nice to have a minister come in and join us to answer some of those questions and maybe put our mind at rest or maybe offer us some sort of hope."
Many viewers were left angry and took to Twitter to voice their frustrations, reports YorkshireLive. Caleb Ranson tweeted: "PM and chancellor on hols at a time of national crisis. Beyond disgraceful. General Election now please. Time to boot these dangerous idiots out of office once and for all."
Andy M commented: "Entitled to holiday but they are pretty much missing any time of the year! Shambles of a party." Malcolm Cowell wrote: "A holiday is far more important to them. Inflation is not going to affect them in any way so the disinterest continues."
And Daniel Vicsik said: "Saves wasted air time having one on." However, Duncan H said: "Maybe they would come on if you didn’t interrupt them every time they tried to answer a question. Let them finish and then question their answers. It’s called manners (Not sticking up for Bojo and co just can’t be bothered with never hearing an answer)."
And Karen Squires wrote: "How many of GMB staff would go into studio during their contractual holidays to get shouted at about subjects not even linked to their own job? What is wrong is summer recess for ALL MPs from ALL parties - they should ALL get standard 4 weeks a year as should all public service workers."
Dawn Hepworth replied: "A responsible team would stagger its leave to provide cover during annual leave. Government doesn't just stop because it's the holidays - there should be deputies in place. As for the length of recess, I agree! Many MPs continue to support their constituents. It's their job."
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