Trade Minister Chris Bryant turned a BBC Breakfast interview into an extended discussion about Brussels sprouts on Friday, prompting presenter Charlie Stayt to repeatedly intervene and jokingly ask to cut the minister off air. Bryant, originally scheduled to discuss the government's Employment Rights Bill, diverged into detailed culinary opinions after a casual Christmas dinner question.
Stayt attempted multiple times to end the sprouts tangent. «You have to stop talking about Brussels sprouts, you really do,» the presenter said. He later quipped: «Can we please cut the minister off?»
Bryant remained undeterred. «I love Brussels sprouts, but I'm like, the only person in my family who likes them,» he explained on the programme. «I end up cooking them, and I end up eating all of them. I tried to force one on my mother-in-law a couple of years ago at Christmas, and she said it was akin to the 1930s, so I think there are divided opinions on Brussels sprouts.»
When Stayt tried to redirect with a simple yes-or-no question, Bryant continued: «I'm in favour of Brussels sprouts. I'm completely and utterly in favour of Brussels sprouts. I mean, there are different ways of cooking them. I prefer them roasted, and I think sometimes they're better with cranberries.»
Playful Exchange
The minister protested when Stayt finally called time. «You started it!» Bryant said. «It's not my fault!»
Stayt responded: «Yeah, but I asked for a yes or no, and you just gave me that,» Co-host Naga Munchetty laughed throughout and reminded Bryant: «You have got other broadcasters to talk to,» She concluded the segment by calling it «one of the best answers from ministers we've had».
Bryant also shared his expertise on preparing pigs in blankets during the exchange.
Morning Live Incident
Brussels sprouts caused another awkward moment when Morning Live presenter Helen Skelton walked off camera during a crossover segment with BBC Breakfast. A misunderstanding about the pronunciation of "raw" led Skelton to jokingly say «Bye!» and disappear from shot, leaving co-host Gethin Jones standing alone.
Munchetty observed from the BBC Breakfast studio: «Gethin is still there!» Stayt added: «I think he's just standing there for a while longer,»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
