Nick Ferrari had the perfect response to a disgruntled LBC caller who branded him “incompetent” – by simply muting his audio feed. In a blistering row that broke out over welfare and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) live on the programme, Ferrari fumed at caller Steve but managed to hold his nerve as Steve exploded at him over the phone.
The Heated Exchange
Steve began by explaining his benefits: “I get four benefits. I get my state pension, a benefit, I get PIP, a benefit – I am now retired, but I still get PIP because I claimed it, because like the gentleman before, I’m going blind. I also get the winter fuel allowance, and I also get pension credit. I am sick of people like you, Nick Ferrari, going on about welfare payments, when the biggest welfare payment is in fact, the state pension.”
Steve stuttered: “You constantly go- you go at the weakest-“ as Ferrari tried to interject: “If I could get a word in edgeways-“
But Steve cut him off, fuming: “No, no you can’t get a word in edgeways. For once, someone is going to overspeak you-“
Ferrari's Clever Move
Cleverly, Ferrari hit the mute button, explaining: “Well, they’re not, because I just do this. So now let’s resume our conversation. No, no, no, I’ll just do this. Let’s resume our conversation.
“You’re right – £177billion of £334billion is the state pension. But Steve, surely you can’t support people getting extra cash and additional payments because they’re constipated.”
Steve argued: “Erm, Nick, what did the minister say? Leave it to the professionals. Can I speak?! Leave it to the professionals.”
Ferrari pointed out: “Yes, but they’re clearly not very professional, are they? You could say that about the case of that tragic baby – let’s leave that by the professional social workers who stood by as a 13-year-old boy was tortured to death. I don’t think we always can leave things to the professionals, as I don’t think they’re competent, Steve.”
The Caller's Final Outburst
Steve was clearly furious as he retorted: “I don’t think you’re competent to be a radio presenter or a so-called journalist. Goodbye, Nick.”
A dignified Ferrari ended the segment with: “Well, I’m sorry it ends like that, but I have enjoyed our conversation, and be well.”
