Eamonn Holmes fans flames of 5G coronavirus conspiracies by saying ‘it suits state narrative’ for media to dismiss them

Eamonn Holmes has fanned the flames of baseless coronavirus conspiracy theories by suggesting it “suits the state narrative” to dispel claims that the pandemic is linked to 5G technology.

Wading into debunked rumours which have ensnared a string of celebrities and prompted acts of vandalism, the presenter of ITV’s This Morning claimed on Monday’s programme that the media had been too quick to dismiss the theory as false “when they don’t know it’s not true”.

His remarks came during a discussion of fake news with co-host and wife Ruth Langsford and journalist Alice Beer.

Referring to “ridiculous” coronavirus conspiracy theories, Beer cited those who believe that 5G is “a main link” to Covid-19, that the virus has been “manmade” to “cull the population”, and that the lockdown is “a device” to allow the roll-out of the wireless communications technology.

“This rumour has been spread so far and wide and has been so convincing to some people that there have been some 30 acts of vandalism and arson around the UK damaging essential telephone equipment,” she added, before saying the theory was “not true, and is incredibly stupid”.

Holmes, previously an anchor for Sky News, then interjected: “I totally agree with what you’re saying, but what I don’t accept is mainstream media immediately slapping that down as not true when they don’t know it’s not true.

“No one should attack or damage or do anything like that, but it’s very easy to say it’s not true because it suits the state narrative. That’s all I would say, as someone with an enquiring mind.”

Versions of the 5G conspiracy theory have been spreading online for years, with some proponents claiming the coronavirus outbreak is just the latest in a string of pandemics induced by electromagnetic waves.

The theory has been disproved countless times by scientists, with one microbiology professor recently describing it as ”both a physical and biological impossibility”.

That has not stopped the baseless claims being shared by high-profile figures such as actor Woody Harrelson and TV presenter Amanda Holden.

The rumours have fuelled attacks on wireless towers and other telecoms gear across the UK, as well as the harassment of technicians. Downing Street said vandals were “putting lives at risk” and condemned the “crazed conspiracy theory”.

The telecoms industry has also been forced to respond to the growing threat to both workers and infrastructure.

UK networks EE, O2, Three and Vodafone issued a joint statement condemning the “baseless claims” as “harmful for the people and businesses that rely on the continuity of our services”, while cabinet minister referred to theory as “dangerous nonsense”.

Ofcom has warned broadcasters that they face sanctions if they spread misinformation about coronavirus, and censured a Sussex radio station for airing conspiracy theories about 5G.

The media regulator launched a formal investigation into an interview with David Icke on regional TV station London Live last week in which the infamous conspiracist suggested the coronavirus pandemic was part of a government plot to conduct mass surveillance.