Jonathan Reynolds grilled live on air over basic detail of government announcement
Cabinet minister Jonathan Reynolds has been left red-faced after failing to answer a basic question about his own government announcement on parental leave.
Appearing on LBC to promote a major new review into maternity and paternity pay, the business and trade secretary quickly found himself floundering under pressure from host Nick Ferrari.
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🎙️ ‘Shouldn’t you know this?’ – Ferrari doesn’t hold back
The trouble began when Ferrari asked a straightforward question:
“How much do you get a week if you’re on statutory paternity pay?”
“My youngest is 10, so I’m not really sure what the statutory is anymore,” he said.
Ferrari, unimpressed, shot back:
“You’re launching this initiative today… and you don’t have a clue as to what we’re currently paying?”
😬 Apologies and awkward backtracking
Reynolds tried to save face, saying:
“I should, to be honest with you, Nick. I must apologise.”
But Ferrari wasn’t having it:
“Apologise to the listeners!”
The presenter finally ended the exchange by telling the minister that statutory paternity pay stands at just £187.18 a week.
Reynolds sheepishly responded:
“When I come on your show, I never try and con you if you catch me out…”
💸 UK paternity pay ‘least generous in Europe’
Currently, new dads in the UK are entitled to just two weeks of leave at less than half the minimum wage. Self-employed fathers? They get nothing.
The UK has one of the stingiest paternity schemes in Europe — a fact the government claims it wants to change.
In the official press release, Reynolds stated:
“Campaigners have long called for change, and this government has listened. This review is our chance to reset the system and build something that works for modern families and businesses.”
You can watch it below:
'But you're launching this initiative today…and you don't have a clue as to how much we're currently paying?'
