Piers Morgan has defended his recent trip to Antigua, insisting he didn’t break any coronavirus restrictions by travelling abroad.

The Good Morning Britain presenter has won praise throughout the pandemic for his comments about the government’s shortcomings in their handling of the crisis, and has also been a constant critic of many of his fellow celebrities who have not followed guidelines.

He was recently asked on Twitter to name countries he thought had done a good job of controlling the spread of Covid-19, listing Australia, Taiwan, New Zealand and South Korea as examples.

When someone else responded “what about Antigua?”, he responded: “Antigua, like all the Caribbean islands, has handled the pandemic very well thanks to strict border control and a law-observant population.

“Just 169 cases in total & 5 deaths.” 

The Twitter account Media Guido then quote-tweeted Piers’ comments, writing: “Government advice in December was not to travel unless it was essential.

“Piers was publicly calling for Christmas to be cancelled and tougher restrictions. He flew to Antigua first class on Virgin before Christmas Day.”

In response to this, Piers outlined a series of points setting the record straight about his trip to the Caribbean island last month.

He insisted: “1) The Govt said travel abroad from Tier 3 was allowed if people went straight to the airport. 

2) I didn’t call for Christmas to be cancelled.

3) I haven’t flown on Virgin for a year.

4) I last flew First Class in February. 

Otherwise, spot on!”

Piers later shared a clip of MP Grant Shapps saying that those living in Tier 3 towards the end of last year were allowed to travel abroad, provided they are “sensible” and “go straight to the airport, leave, and, of course, when you come back, either quarantine or take a test”.

Earlier this week, Piers addressed his former friendship with outgoing US president Donald Trump live on GMB, stating: “I think he’s lost his mind, I do. And I think that makes him dangerous and he should be removed.”

He also said he regrets showing him support during the presidency, telling co-host Susanna Reid: “No question [I regret it]. I never thought he’d be capable of this.

“He’s played down to the very worst expectations and predictions of his worst critics.”