John Cleese has launched a scathing attack on Health Secretary Yvette Cooper, branding her 'clueless' following her interview on BBC Breakfast. The Fawlty Towers star took to social media to express his fury over the government's latest healthcare investment.
Car Crash Interview
On Thursday, ministers unveiled plans for nearly 200 community mental health centres and mental health A&Es by 2029, backed by £343million in funding. However, when it emerged that no extra staff would be hired for these facilities, which will be located in high street hubs like banks and libraries, presenter Charlie Stayt challenged Ms Cooper.
Stayt asked: "So you’d understand then that people might question how much progress could be made, given what you just said is there’ll be no extra recruitment even though there are going to be so many more facilities. That doesn’t seem to make sense?"
Cooper's Response
Ms Cooper replied: "Getting people to work differently means you can work better, and we shouldn't just assume that we have to leave the NHS the way it is and then wait till there's more funding going in. We're putting substantial additional funding, going in, so the mental health funding is rising to over £16 billion this year."
One viewer criticised her response, saying: "Her response perfectly sums up this clueless Labour government." Cleese echoed this sentiment on X, posting: "Clueless is exactly the right word."
Public Backlash
Many social media users agreed with the actor. One commented: "Clueless and useless just about sums up this entire government." Another added: "Exactly, clueless just meaningless words and more words." A third praised Cleese, saying: "God bless you, Mr Cleese! Keep speaking up. Being quiet and meek is what led us to the spot we're in."
Another viewer questioned: "So what? Is your librarian now also going to be your psychiatrist?"
Government Plans
The government has stated that existing teams of nurses, therapists and support workers will be brought together, with many hubs expected to open seven days a week, and some offering short-stay beds. Six areas have trialled the approach since 2024. Additionally, the government pledges to establish 59 more dedicated mental health A&Es, on top of the 23 already operational, many attached to existing hospitals.
