‘Car crash’ interview leaves viewers
THE Secretary of State for Wales left Sky News’ Kay Burley and viewers frustrated after he admitted he wasn’t aware there had been more than 50 fines issued by the police for law breaking in Downing Street.
Simon Hart appeared on Sky News yesterday morning, when he was questioned about the UK Government’s new plans for asylum seekers and the Downing Street parties that took place during Covid lockdown.
An investigation by the Metropolitan Police into illegal parties has led to at least 50 fines being issued.
When asked what he thought about the Prime Minister overseeing 50 breaches of the law being broken, Mr Hart answered: “I don’t know where you got 50 from... you know more about this than me.”
Burley explained the number of breaches was included in a statement by the Metropolitan Police, to which the Secretary of State replied it was “speculation”.
He added: “As I say, you know more about this than me – I am not going to speculate. Seriously, we can’t speculate.”
Some viewers took to social media to express their views, with some describing it as a “car crash” while others were “stunned” by what they saw.
The politician was on the show to discuss the UK Government’s plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing as part of its attempts to reduce the number of people crossing the Channel by small boats illegally.
During the interview, the Secretary of State said the plan has the potential to be a “really humane step forward”.
He added: “We are trying to safeguard people’s interests.
“This is meant to be about being able to distinguish between economical migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. And trying to make sure that people end up in a safe place with a reasonable future. That is something I would imagine we could join in some form of agreement.”
When asked if children would be sent to Rwanda, he replied: “The principle is no. This is about male economic migrants in the main. There is a different set of issues with women and children and refugees and asylum seekers.”