Good Morning Britain turned awkward as Susanna Reid quizzed the Northern Ireland Secretary on the ITV programme on Thursday morning.
Susanna and co-host Ben Shephard spoke with Chris Heaton-Harris in the ITV studio as they grilled him on the promised energy payments to Northern Ireland households which many say they have not received.
All households in Northern Ireland are waiting on a £400 payment towards electricity bills – but details of when exactly this will be delivered are vague at best.
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss promised it would be issued in November, but then Northern Ireland Secretary previously told a Westminster committee he could not commit to a definitive date.
Mr Heaton-Harris insisted on Good Morning Britain that the public will have clarity on the arrival of the payments ‘as soon as possible’.
Ben replied: “So next week, you will be able to let people know when they’re going to get these payments and how that will arrive.”
The MP said: “I very much hope that will be the case. Honestly, I would love to do it sooner.
“Northern Ireland has a specific energy market. It is a completely unique market.”
Susanna then said: “So we will get back in touch with you on Monday and find out,” but as the MP cracked a smile, she interrupted herself.
She said: “Well you’re smiling, but it’s not a laughing matter, is it? For those people who haven't got enough money to get through paying their energy bills this winter.”
The chastened MP replied insisting he was only smiling because he did not think it was necessary for the programme to get in touch with him.
He said: “I really want to deliver this and I think I can. I very much hope next week I will be able to give complete clarity on when this £400 will turn up in people’s accounts.”
Susanna replied: “You say you don’t need us to get back in touch with you, but these people have heard nothing.
“Unless we get back in touch with you and broadcast the information, they’re not going to find out, are they? It’s the purpose of the media.”
The MP then thanked Susanna and Good Morning Britain for ‘helping’ as their conversation turned to the looming nurse strike action which is set to take place in dispute over pay.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
