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Animal activist and naturalist Chris Packman joined Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby from his home on This Morning today to discuss the Chinese government’s decision to reopen wet markets. It has been widely speculated that coronavirus originated in a Wuhan wet market and Phillip made it clear to viewers that he was furious with the decision to let these style of markets reopen. BACK BRITAIN'S BRAVE NHS HEROES - CLICK HERE NOW

The animal welfare activist made his views on the wet markets clear as he urged government officials around the world to enforce their closure. Chinese wet markets, in particular, have come under scrutiny in recent weeks after the coronavirus outbreak was linked to a market in Wuhan. Chinese authorise shut down the market in question and confirmed there would be strict supervision of wet markets once normal life was resumed. These markets often include a number of different species packed closely together that normally have no interaction with one another in the wild. Read more: This Morning: Holly Willoughby and Phillip derail ITV show

This Morning: Phillip raged over the decision to reopen wet markets

This Morning: Chris spoke out against the markets

READ MORE Holly Willoughby breaks down in tears over emotional performance These conditions can make it a breeding ground for a multitude of viruses to evolve and jump species barriers. Chris detailed why he felt these markets were inhuman and should be banned before Phil jumped in and agreed. Phil hit out: “Nothing really galvanises the world more than money, if we are to believe this virus originated in one of these exotic markets in Wuhan, it’s shut down the world. “That’s a massive responsibility on the world and China and other areas that have these markets.”

This Morning: Phil agreed with the naturalist

“I know it’s culturally difficult to change but I don’t think we should carry on unless they have a contemporary relevance,” he added. Chris went on to explain how campaigners have been trying to educate those who believe certain animal parts have healing properties. He explained: “[Activists] within China have worked very hard to communicate the fact that these traditional medicines do not work. “And there’s an animal welfare and endangered species issue alongside it.” DON'T MISS

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Phil agreed and raged: “I’m sorry, it is tradition and it is culture but I think the world now has got to say, ‘You have to shut them down’.” This Morning viewers agreed with Phil and took to Twitter to share their frustration at these markets being reopened. One said: “#ThisMorning It is unbelievable that things like those markets are allowed to still exit in a modern society. They are cruel, outdate and unnecessary.” “@ChrisGPackham #ThisMorning you’re so right regarding these wet markets, but I think we need as a nation to stop buying from China, and other places that have these wet markets, money talks and if they think there losing there exports then maybe they’d listen #COVIDー19,” a second wrote.

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