Boris Johnson and Grant Shapps were caught on camera laughing at a question about the prospect of a no-deal Brexit in the latest Downing Street press conference.
The prime minister was seen snickering at the question from Robert Peston during the coronavirus news briefing held on Monday evening to provide an update on the spread of a new strain of the virus and resulting chaos at Britain’s ports.
ITV’s political editor had said: “It’s almost the end of the year, you must know by know whether we’re going to get a free trade deal. Will we?”
As he asked the question, the camera cut from Mr Peston to the PM, transport secretary Mr Shapps and the government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance. It showed the laughing Mr Johnson turning to Mr Shapps, who also briefly laughed and turned to meet the PM’s eye.
The footage angered some viewers, who accused the prime minister of treating “worthwhile questions with contempt”.
“The camera is on you Boris. It isn’t funny - livelihoods depend on a Brexit deal,” tweeted royal correspondent Charlie Proctor.
“They laughed. Johnson kept smirking while answering,” said anti-Brexit campaigner Femi Oluwole. “Dont forget: Even if there's a deal, jobs will still go.”
Responding to Mr Peston’s question, the prime minister said he had held a “great conversation” with Emmanuel Macron earlier on Monday, adding: “It’s his birthday, by the way.”
The two leaders discussed France’s ban on travel from the UK rather than Brexit, but Mr Johnson said the status of EU trade talks “remains unchanged” and there were still “problems” on issues such as fisheries which were preventing negotiators reaching a deal.
The UK’s departure from EU structures including the single market and customs union is due to take place when the Brexit transition period ends at 11pm on 31 December.
