Piers Morgan blasts Michael Gove after daughter given coronavirus test ‘ahead of NHS staff’

The Cabinet minister's daughter had forced the whole family into isolation after she developed symptoms last week.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

6

6

6

But she was given a test in accordance with advice from the Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty - and agreed by other medical officials.

The news came after Mr Gove was spotted out jogging at the weekend, prompting critics to ask why he wasn't isolating with the rest of his household.

Piers Morgan said on Good Morning Britain this morning: "Is it right that Micheal Gove should have been given preferential treatment for his daughter to have a test in this way, releasing him to go back to work when so many health front line workers are not able to have that same test at the moment?"

"The Government is saying the priority should be healthcare workers,  and you have a senior member of the Government who is able to bypass all the waiting and bypass the waiting.

"I'd like to hear Micheal Gove explain why he was bale to do this and so many other healthcare workers can't able to do this.

"Is it one rule for you and another for nurses, doctors, surgeons and others who are having to self isolate for two weeks in exactly that circumstance."

Shadow minister for the Cabinet Office, Rachel Reeves, said she would "have reservations about it being one rule for some, and another for everyone else" - stressing it should be the NHS who are prioritised.

Thousands of staff are having to take time off and isolate because they are getting symptoms of the virus - but until recently have not been able to access tests.

Ministers say they are ramping them up, and thousands of NHS workers have been tested.

Downing Street this morning denied Mr Gove's daughter's test showed "double standards".

They said he was a key member of the Government's coronavirus fight and needed to attend meetings in Whitehall when he could.

No10 said: "Testing a member of the household ensured that he could get back to work to drive forward the government's response at a critical time.

"The PM received a test when he was suffering from symptoms as did the Health Secretary.
"The three ministers we are talking about all perform critical roles."

42,000 NHS staff and their families have now been tested for the virus.

6

6

6

MOST READ IN POLITICS

BOJO'S BROOD

Boris Johnson’s children - from Lara Lettice to baby Frank

KHAN CALL

London Mayor Sadiq Khan backs calls to decriminalise cannabis

ON YER BIKE

Yobs wreaking havoc with bikes and cars will see them CRUSHED within 48 hours

'UP TO COPS'

PM refuses to back calls for transparency over race of arrested suspects

Co-GMB host Susanna Reid added: "They should be the priority for testing!"

The Cabinet minister is said to be playing a "central role" to the Covid-19 crisis, which is why his daughter was granted the test when others haven't got to have theirs yet.

A friend of Mr Gove's said:  "On Monday, the Chief Medical Officer advised that Michael’s daughter should be tested for coronavirus after displaying mild symptoms.

"She was tested on Tuesday and the result came back negative on Wednesday afternoon, at which point the household isolation rules no longer applied to the family.

"Michael has followed the relevant advice and guidance at every stage and will continue to do so."

Give now to The Sun's NHS appeal

BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.

But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?

The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.

The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.

We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.

The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.

No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here

www.