Dr Hilary Jones says coronavirus face masks are 'useless' to the public, and claims they can do harm.
Appearing on today's instalment of Good Morning Britain, the health specialist told hosts Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan that masks can even transmit COVID-19.
It comes after the government previously insisted that there was no scientific benefit to wearing a mask.
However, Sir Patrick Vallance said yesterday (April 13) that there is a review of this currently underway and the stance may change.
When asked by Susanna why Britain was holding back, the TV show doctor admitted the science is "controversial".
He added that such masks can be "detrimental" and claim they only provide psychological benefits to the public.
"The science is controversial without doubt." He said. "If you look at the science it actually shows very clearly health care workers dealing with infected patients need to wear them for their own protection.
"And people with symptoms need to wear to stop transmission from coughing and sneeze. The science is clear there."
The 66-year-old told viewers that mask wearing is "not proven to be effective" for healthy people doing essential journeys and adhering to social distancing rules.
He continued: "Most masks have gaps in them through which the virus can drive a bus through. The virus size is 1/10,000th of a millimetre.
"When you’re inhaling air through a mask the virus will penetrate and be sucked in. It can do harm wearing a mask. You put hands to your face to adjust, it gets itchy and moist.
"They can transmit the virus when the mask gets damp and most it trap the virus. You have to handle effectively to make it safe."
Dr Hilary added that wearing a coronavirus mask may only help for physiological reasons, rather than actually preventing the spread and contact of the virus.
He said: "Psychologically it make you feel better and make someone else put in place the social distancing we’re asking to do.
"What’s more important is keeping a physical distance at all times and washing hands frequently.
"There’s no scientific evidence it’s beneficial. That’s what Public Health England are saying. For other countries, WHO are saying it might be worth it.
"For the US, anything they can be seen to be doing is worthwhile."
