Piers Morgan was forced to apologise on Good Morning Britain today.
The GMB presenter was holding a discussion on whether the government should scrap the £624 NHS charge for migrant care workers.
And Susanna Reid’s co-star made an awkward error when talking to guest Andrew Pierce.
Piers, 55, asked Andrew during the discussion: “Can we possibly look them in the eye and say we’re going to charge you another £624.”
The GMB guest replied: “I think it’s right the government bring in a surcharge to ensure migrants who come here for the first time should pay towards the NHS because it’s costing us a lot of money, but…”
Piers Morgan was forced to apologise on Good Morning Britain today (Image: ITV)
He was interrupted as Piers fumed: “They’re paying taxes Andrew, why do you think it’s a good idea?”
Continuing, Andrew added: “I think people have been paying into the NHS for decades and then there’s a perception of people coming here for the NHS and they get it free.”
Annoyed, Piers asked: “You think Jenny and Lewis, the two people that Boris Johnson singled out for saving his life….”
However Andrew then interrupted as he told him: “You’re not listening to what I said, not for the first time… I’m saying I don’t think this surcharge should apply to people who come here and work for the NHS. I think it should apply to people who come to Britain and don’t work for the NHS.”
GMB guests Andrew Pierce told Piers he wasn’t listening to him (Image: ITV)
Backing down, Piers said: “I’m sorry, I did mishear you. I’m sorry. You’re quite right to correct me.”
Many politicians and health professionals have united to call on the government to scrap the NHS surcharge for migrant care workers coming from outside the European Economic Area.
The current surcharge is £400 per year, but it is set to rise to £624 in October.
The fee has been branded ‘hypocritical’ and ‘divisive’ by politicians from opposition parties, with some wanting it to be scrapped altogether or at least waived for a year in line with other medical professions.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV at 6am
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
