Boris Johnson stumbled tonight after being confronted over a photo of him not wearing a mask next to 95-year-old national treasure Sir David Attenborough.
The Prime Minister was photographed at the COP26 climate summit opening ceremony without a mask at the same time as Sir David wore one.
Other photos from the same session showed various combinations of both men unmasked and Sir David unmasked while Mr Johnson covered up.
Both men spoke on the stage and removed their masks to do so.
But the image spread like wildfire on social media, leading to furious criticism including from Labour MPs.
Mr Johnson was confronted over the moment by CNN interviewer Christine Amanpour.
He appeared surprised by the revelation, narrowing his eyes and pausing as he was told the image was “it’s all over the place” on the internet.
He then stumbled in his answer, before claiming he’d been wearing a mask with people “I don’t normally meet” - despite the fact he hardly ever meets Sir David.
He replied: “I’ve been wearing a mask in confined spaces with people I don’t normally meet.
“I think it’s up to people to make a judgment about whether they’re at a reasonable distance from someone and whether they’re with someone they don’t normally meet.
“That’s the approach we take.”
The interview quickly moved on to another topic.
The PM was slammed by critics over the photo, which also showed him with his eyes shut.
A No10 source said it was “total nonsense” to suggest he was asleep, as virtually all other photos from the same series showed him with his eyes open.
But Shadow Trade Minister Bill Esterson tweeted: " Boris Johnson chose not to wear a mask sat next to David Attenborough at #COP26 Attenborough is 95 and is at a very high risk from Covid.
"Wearing a mask protects other people yet Johnson couldn’t be bothered to protect Attenborough from Covid. Says it all about Johnson."
Labour MP Anna McMorrin also tweeted: "It’s one thing to show how little you care but quite another [to] sit next to 95 year old David Attenborough and NOT wear a MASK."
In some images Mr Johnson was not wearing a mask, while Sir David was.
However in some pictures both of them were without masks and in another photo Sir David had removed his mask while the PM was wearing one.
A Downing Street spokesman said earlier: "The prime minister has abided by the COVID guidance at COP throughout.
"As you know attendees and delegates are not required to wear face masks when they are seated as per the guidance and he will continue to abide by all the rules that are in place while he's up in Glasgow."
