Another day, another drama. This time it involves the BBC’s Today programme, where interviewer Emma Barnett was quizzing Jeremy Hunt on the UK’s economic prospects. The conversation didn’t go quite as smoothly as planned for the Chancellor…
Barnett started on how today’s inflation figures have decreased to 2.3 per cent this morning — the lowest level in three years — which Hunt first hailed as ‘good news’, before admitting it may take a little longer until voters feel better off. His interviewer then went on to broach the subject of Liz Truss, lecturing Hunt on how ‘some of the shocks’ of the former PM’s premiership are ‘still being felt’ by the population. The Chancellor admitted that ‘mistakes were made’ — before Barnett interjected that ‘more than mistakes’ are to blame for the current cost-of-living crisis. In turn, Hunt asked his interviewer if he might be able to, er, actually answer her question. And by the time Barnett had moved onto the subject of rents, things had gotten even more awkward…
EB: I’m getting messages here. Nick has said: ‘My rent went up £200 a month due to my landlord’s mortgage going up.’ You know how these things work, Mr Hunt, as a landlord, as an MP, as a chancellor. Do you feel wealthier?
JH: It’s lovely talking to you, Emma, but it’s almost like you’re not actually listening to the answers I give.
EB: I am listening incredibly carefully.
JH: Well, then let me say this. I said to you that we’ve created more jobs than anywhere else in Europe, that we’ve had more foreign investment. I notice you’ve got very good researchers on the Today programme. You haven’t challenged me on any of those facts and the reason I don’t think you’ve challenged me is because you know they’re true.
EB: And I’m listening. I’m listening.
JH: Great! Well that’s a good start.
EB: Thank you so much.
JH: Thank you very much indeed. Well we’re going to have a great— we’re going to get on just fine, aren’t we?
EB: We are — but I asked you a question, if you don’t mind listening to my question.
JH: I did listen to your question.
Oo er. Next time, keep the petty squabbles off the airwaves…
Listen to the clip here:
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