BBC News: 'I'm aware of that' Naga Munchetty snaps at Kwasi Kwarteng over Brexit concerns
BBC BREAKFAST presenter Naga Munchetty welcomed Energy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng on to the show today and whilst discussing the power blackout last week, the host couldn’t help but grill the MP about the increase of energy prices if a No Deal Brexit were to happen.
Brexit: Kwasi Kwarteng quizzed over no deal
Naga Munchetty, 44, and BBC Breakfast co-host Charlie Stayt, 57, discussed the response the National grid have received since last week’s nationwide power cut on today’s show.
With the National Grid feeling the heat to justify how two energy generators went down at the same time leaving facts such as hospitals without power, the presenters spoke with Energy Minister, Kwasi Kwarteng, 44.
After Kwarteng told the BBC presenters the fault was being looked into, Munchetty rounded off the interview by discing the impact of a No Deal Brexit on the energy sector.
Kwarteng’s answer wasn’t exactly what Munchetty had expected, leading the host to snap at the MP as she tried to get a more direct reply.
I’m aware of that thank you
Discussing Brexit, Munchetty said: “I just want to question on No Deal Brexit. Obviously, there is a lot of conversation about this because many are concerned.
“The UK energy research centre said a No Deal or a hard deal Brexit could increase electricity generation costs by £270 million a year.
“As Energy Minister, what preparations are you making and what are you prepared to say to the nation in terms of how it’s going to effect out energy costs?"
Kwarteng replied: “We’ve made many preparations.
“That report was written I think 18 months ago and obviously in the meantime, we have been preparing day and night for No Deal and the reason why no deal is on the table is because we missed the deadline last March and this simply cannot go on.
“We have to at some point honour the referendum and to deliver Brexit on the day we said we would and that’s the 31 October.”
Not answering Munchetty’s question directly, the host swiftly remarked: “Uh yeah, I’m aware of that thank you.”
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Reaffirming her question, Munchetty asked: “But will our energy costs go up if there is No Deal?”
Kwarteng answered: “I don’t see any reason why energy costs should go up.
“We have an energy cap which is very successful which is making sure the big six have to look at their costs.
“We’re protecting consumers; that’s a number one concern and the ability they used to have to hike up prices has been taken away because of the energy cap.
“So, we’re looking to support consumers at every opportunity,” the Energy Minister concluded, with Munchetty thanking him for speaking on the show.
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With Bailey stating Labour would do everything to stop the “damaging” repercussions of a No Deal Brexit, Munchetty said: “People have been making a lot of noise for Jeremy Corbyn to do something about it.
“He’s left it pretty late hasn’t he?” the host commented.
Bailey replied: “He’s not left it pretty late…” to which Munchetty interjected: “Well… look at the time!”
The MP affirmed Labour has been: “clear since the referendum happened that we would do everything we possibly can to avoid a No Deal situation.”
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays at 6am on BBC One.