GMB fans turned on Dr Hilary Jones for the first time today (May 13).
Those tuning in at home were less than impressed after ITV’s resident doctor got into a debate with Piers Morgan.
Piers Morgan and Dr Hilary go head-to-head
As the pair discussed the UK’s response to the coronavirus pandemic on Good Morning Britain, Dr Hilary repeatedly defended the government’s actions.
He insisted: “We’re carrying out more tests than Korea, Germany or France.”
READ MORE: Who is Dr Hilary Jones’ wife and what does she think of his coronavirus coverage on GMB
When Piers pointed out that Wuhan was preparing to test all 11 million residents, the doctor wasn’t convinced.
“Are they? I’m not sure sure they are. I don’t believe you take that as gospel,” he hit back.
“We have to be careful not to compare ourselves to other countries that our supposedly doing better than us.
“An antibody test that is being sold to us in millions which doesn’t work is worse than no test at all.”
Dr Hilary defends government
Dr Hilary also defended the government’s decision to allow people to return to work but not visit family members at home.
He explained: “When we’re in contact with our families and those dearest to us, we tend to be more intimate.
“We tend to want to hug them, get closer to them and spend much longer with them than we would someone looking at our house.
“The government is saying that if you’re with an extended member of your family, you are much more likely to transmit the virus.”
'What would you have changed?'
'I would have changed absolutely everything' @piersmorgan explains what he thinks the government could have done from the start to prevent the UK becoming the worst hit country in Europe in terms of deaths from coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/sJTrGBKBfW
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) May 13, 2020
GMB fans react
Following the heated debate, many GMB viewers found themselves disagreeing with Dr Hilary for the first time.
“I find Dr Hilary‘s defence of the Covid-19 death figures concerning,” one wrote on Twitter.
“He’s doing a great job as a government spin doctor!! C’mon Dr Hilary please stop defending this inept government!”
Another then added: “Why is Dr Hilary protesting too much and gone red in the face.?
“He definitely work for Hancock and the Gov; its soo obvious he has been doing it for weeks. You can’t defend the un defendable.”
Moments later, a third wrote: “Dr Hilary definitely wants to move in to politics after all this. He’s so behind the Tories, it’s actually sickening.”
A fourth tweeted: “Please stop it, Dr Hilary! Trying to endorse this with poor decisions made by those at the helm.
READ MORE: Dr Hilary Jones explains the REAL reason you can’t see your family but can go back to work on GMB
“You’re making yourself look as foolish as many of these MPs. #spotthetory.”
Despite the heated discussion, Piers and Dr Hilary ended the segment by agreeing to disagree.
“Hilary, it’s always good to spend the first half an hour arguing with you,” the presenter quipped.
Good Morning Britain is on ITV, weekdays at 6am.
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