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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Jess Flaherty

GMB viewers fuming after Jake Berry MP's comments about northerners

Good Morning Britain viewers were left raging following an MP's interview today.

Conservative MP Jake Berry appeared via video link to discuss Boris Johnson's aide Lee Cain quitting as director of communications amid a bitter internal power struggle in Downing Street.

Speaking to presenters Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard, the Tory MP offered his thoughts on a number of government issues during the coronavirus pandemic.

Susanna asked if he believed Dominic Cummings should resign, with Jake Berry saying he thought Mr Cummings was "full of great ideas."

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Mr Berry also said he thought it was debatable as to whether Mr Cummings broke lockdown when making a visit to Barnard Castle in May.

But it was his comments about northern and southern passions which riled Good Morning Britain viewers.

GMB played a clip of Jake Berry speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, where he claimed people in the south of the country would be missing ballet and opera, while people in the north would most be missing their local football clubs.

Former Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry made the comparison while warning "northern culture" is being hit hard by Covid-19, with many football clubs at risk of closure.

He pressed the government to intervene to "save" football clubs.

GMB's Ben Shephard pushed the MP for clarification today, saying the location wasn't the significant issue, adding he has family and friends in Cornwall and other southern areas where "football is also their life".

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Viewers took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Danny said: "Urgh, @JakeBerry is utterly out of touch. All football outside the M25 and all opera and ballet in the capital. Give me a break."

@persimone said: "Most people can’t afford ballet and opera in London as it’s super expensive. Another #tory out of touch."

Another Twitter user quipped: "Jake Berry MP not walking back his bigoted comments about the north. I'm shocked I tell ya, shocked."

Paul said: "People actually voted for @JakeBerry Let that sink in a minute. People actually voted for this clown."

*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV

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