Michael Gove has come under fire from angry BBC viewers after referring to the coronavirus pandemic as 'a game' on Sunday's Andrew Marr Show.
Gove was in the studio to face questions from host Marr in the wake of Saturday night's announcement from Boris Johnson of a second lockdown for England.
The move will see the c ountry subject to tough restrictions from November 5 - December 2, with bars, restaurants, hairdressers and non-essential shops closing but schools and universities staying open.
Gove was put on the spot by BBC presenter Marr as to whether the Government it wrong, replied: "I'm not trying to suggest that with false iron-clad conviction that the Government get everything right, certainly not, but what I'm also saying is that an automatic marking of cards when we're still in the middle of the game....well it's not a game, we're still in the middle of this dreadful exercise, is understandable but not right."
Even with his correction, Gove's choice of words did not go down well at all with people watching at home, with his answer sparking a huge reaction on Twitter.
One reacted: "Still in the middle of the game’... my god, if that is how Michael Gove is viewing this no wonder it’s such a s**tshow...people’s lives arent a game" and another tweeted: "You’re a heartless fool @michaelgove. So detached from this ‘game’. Shame on you and your incompetent mates. W***er."
A third unimpressed viewer responded: "Nice to know @michaelgove thinks people losing their lives and livelihoods is a game," and, joining the conversation, Dragons Den star Deborah Meaden posted: "Ooh blimey... that was a view into Michael Goves mind. “ we are in the middle of this Game...er, awful situation."
Marr also asked Gove if he knew who leaked news of a second lockdown. He said he didn't but added that the Prime Minister had "put in place an inquiry."
