Tensions were running high with viewers as well as presenters this morning as Health Secretary Sajid Javid MP appeared on Good Morning Britain to speak about the Spring Booster vaccinations for the vulnerable, plus rising energy bills for those with disabilities. Speaking to hosts Susanna Reid and Martin Lewis, Javid said Spring booster vaccinations are being offered to five million vulnerable people, including the over 75s and the immune suppressed.
And the Health Secretary also spoke about the help available for rising energy costs for those with disabilities, saying the payments are regularly kept under review and explained other levels of support, including a government package of around £9 billion. As a well-known voice in the finance press, GMB presenter Martin Lewis is a financial journalist and broadcaster, but most well-known for his work on the Money Saving Expert website which offers tips for those looking to budget better and make savings.
After listening to Sajid Javid assuring viewers that things were all in hand, Martin addressed the Health Secretary with passion in his voice saying: "Taking off my presenter's hat for a second and putting on my campaigner's hat; people on oxygen, people on dialysis machines, people in electric wheel chairs are in panic and shock that their lives are going to be cut off because of these energy rises."
He continued: "Please, will you champion those people, and make sure we don't disable their lives. It's not a question you don't have to answer." Following the interview, the presenter apologised for what he'd said in the context of being a presenter on the ITV morning show. Co-presenter Susanna Reid lightly touched his arm and said: "You're forgiven by the way, you're allowed to have an opinion."
Martin replied: "I hope I didn't break some broadcasting regulations by doing that and over-stepping the line." Susanna followed up with, "Well, the cost of living crisis obviously effects everybody but if you're on oxygen or you rely on something that requires electricity, then an increase in your furl charges is just going to be devastating."
