Piers Morgan blasts ‘extraordinarily arrogant’ Dominic Raab after clash with GMB host
‘Why don’t you pause and let me explain it?’ says minister when challenged on quarantine plan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Piers Morgan has accused foreign secretary Dominic Raab of being “extraordinarily arrogant” following a heated exchange on ITV about hotel quarantine.
The broadcaster’s Twitter attack came after Mr Raab clashed with Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway – who had asked the minister whether the government was implementing the plan effectively.
“Can you let me answer the question?” said Mr Raab, after the host very briefly interrupted him to point out she was talking about enforcement of quarantine in the UK.
Ms Garraway fired back: “I’ve got to clarify – otherwise you’re not going to have a chance to answer the question.”
A visibly irritated Mr Raab said: “Why don’t you pause and let me explain it? I think people get fed up with the media not allowing us to give honest answers.”
Mr Morgan – taking a break from hosting duties – said he was appalled by the minister’s behaviour on the programme. “Dominic Raab is extraordinarily arrogant for someone with so little to be arrogant about,” he tweeted.
The foreign secretary told GMB the government had taken a “proportionate approach” to enforcing 10-day hotel quarantine in England, as Ms Garraway pointed to reports that airports were struggling to get enough border staff to do appropriate checks.
The interviewer also pointed to reports some hotel staff had been spotted not wearing their masks properly. “Who is checking that quarantining is actually happening?” she asked.
Mr Raab accused Ms Garraway of being “rather cynical” and “unfair” in her approach to questioning during the bad-tempered interview on Wednesday morning.
“The rules are very clear,” he said. “We are managing them as effectively as we can. There is increased Border Force resources. There is increased inspection spot-checks in relation to the hotel quarantine.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments