David Dimbleby slams Government's coronavirus response on The One Show saying they're 'all over the place'

David Dimbleby has accused the Government of "flailing around" in its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking on The One Show, the veteran journalist and broadcaster claimed that the Government's coronavirus regulations were too difficult to understand.

When asked for his thoughts on the rule of six and other lockdown measures, Mr Dimbleby said he agreed with the public that the measures were confusing.

"What does 'six' mean? Six at 10 o'clock and at 11 o'clock another six, or five because you're one person, and at midday you can meet another six?" he said.

"It doesn't make any sense at all. And then these six have all their connections, I mean, I've got friends who have got children in school."

The former Question Time host continued: "I'll tell you what I think it is, it's because the Government's clearly flailing around.

Former Question Time host David Dimbleby criticised the Government's management of the coronavirus epidemic
Getty Images

"And I think it's just a way of trying to say to people 'just be very careful', off the top of their heads comes the 'rule of six'."

Mr Dimbleby made the comments after the programme's hosts Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas asked members of the public about their attitudes towards Covid-19 guidelines.

He slammed the Government's response to the pandemic as "meaningless", adding that people were capable of making "their own assessment of danger".

Despite attempts from the hosts to move Mr Dimbley on to a different topic, he continued with the discussion by suggesting Germany had more successfully responded to the Covid-19 crisis.

Before and during Coronavirus lockdown - In pictures

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He said: "They're handling it much, much better in a more considered way and listening to what's said.

"We seem to be all over the place here and I think it's the Government's fault myself. They began badly and they're floundering."

Mr Dimbleby was then interrupted by Mr Jenas who said: "David, we don't want to get into that, obviously people have got completely different views. But I do want to get back to your podcast."

Some One Show viewers agreed with Mr Dimbleby's comments, while others thanked the hosts for changing the subject and returning to less political topics.

One social media user wrote on Twitter: "That’s better! Phew! Back to talking about Strictly #TheOneShow."

It comes after a mooted Tory rebellion against the Government's rule of six evaporated as MPs voted in favour of the coronavirus restriction.

The regulations are already in force, with the motion offering a retrospective vote on it.

But only twelve Conservatives voted against the rule of six regulations in England on Tuesday as the motion was approved by 287 votes to 17, majority 270, with Labour abstaining.

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