Richard Madeley condemned for anti-lockdown comments on Good Morning Britain

Presenter said there is ‘no point in running away and hiding from the virus’

Richard Madeley (Rex Features)

Richard Madeley has caused controversy after calling coronavirus lockdowns “pointless”.

During an appearance on Good Morning Britain, the TV presenter said: “In the situation we are in now, I think that it is proving lockdowns are pointless.”

He added: “It has turned out to be a game of hide-and-seek. Initially, when the first lockdown was introduced, people like me were in full support of it. We were told it was going to protect the NHS and it did. In that sense, the lockdown worked. It saved lives. It protected the NHS. But job done now.”

Madeley went on to argue that there is “no point in running away and hiding from the virus”.

He continued: “The virus does not go away if we go into the wardrobe and hide under the covers for a while. It is like a taxi meter ticking away outside the house. When we come out, cases will rise, we get infected again - and the rate increases.”

His comments have been condemned by viewers on Twitter, with one person writing: “Richard Madeley adding himself to the list of ‘celebrity’ covidiots on #GMB.”

Another said: “Richard Madeley on GMB just now ‘the virus doesn’t go away because we’ve locked ourselves indoors’ YES BUT IT DOESN’T SPREAD EITHER.”

“Good news everyone Richard Madeley eminent epidemiologist on GMB giving us the benefit of his expertise on all things virus related,” joked a third.

A fourth wrote: “Is Richard Madeley a doctor? Or a scientist? No, I didn't think so. Another science denier and full blown idiot. #gmb.”

Some viewers agreed with Madeley, however, with one tweeting: “Richard Madeley speaking too much common sense on #GMB. Beware. You're going to offend those addicted to fear or furlough.”