Grenfell Tower: Michael Gove confronted over victims being moved to Birmingham by Piers Morgan

Environment Secretary avoids answering in favour of anecdote

Michael Gove has struggled to answer when challenged over the prospect of victims of the Grenfell Tower fire being forced to move to Manchester or Birmingham.

During a grilling from Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain, the newly-installed Environment Secretary was asked how it could be acceptable to rehome survivors so far away from Kensington.

Mr Gove avoided answering the question and instead opted to give an anecdote about his visit to the site.

“I used to live just seconds away from where the Grenfell Tower incident occurred. I went there last night just to chat to some friends and others who live adjacent and indeed some of the families in the immediate area,” Mr Gove said.

“I also know a local headteacher who is having to teach children today in the knowledge there are people that he has loved and cared for who are still missing.

"So of course I feel absolutely distraught at what has happened."

Towards the end of the interview Mr Gove asked why he was invited on the show after Mr Morgan said he "does not give a damn" what the Environment Secretary thinks.

The fire in the 24-storey building has left at least 79 dead, with the number expected to be revised upwards.

Many have been left without accommodation but have been housed temporarily, raising questions about whether or not they would relocated.