'It's not funny': Moment Kay Burley tackles 'smiling' Gillian Keegan as she ... trends now

Cabinet minister Gillian Keegan today admitted homeless people 'should not be arrested just because they smell' as she was challenged over planned new laws.

The Education Secretary was grilled about Government plans to tackle 'nuisance' rough sleepers, amid the threat of a Conservative revolt against fresh legislation.

Tory backbenchers are plotting a rebellion against new powers in PM Rishi Sunak's Criminal Justice Bill, which has been branded 'completely unacceptable'.

Under the legislation, those deemed to be 'nuisance' rough sleepers could be fined up to £2,500 or even jailed if they refuse orders to move on from a certain location.

The Bill states that rough sleepers might be considered a 'nuisance' if there is 'excessive smell', if they display 'intimidating' signs, or cause litter.

But the plans, initially drawn up by former home secretary Suella Braverman, have infuriated many on the Tory benches in the House of Commons.

Ms Keegan was quizzed about the Bill during an interview with Sky News' Kay Burley this morning, who told the Cabinet minister 'it's not funny' after she appeared to smile when answering a question.

Ms Keegan said she would support Government policy but told Sky News that people 'should not be arrested just if they smell'.

She added: 'I haven't looked at that detail of it, but I guess the word is "excessive", and I don't know what they mean by that.'

The Education Secretary said she disagreed with Mrs Braverman's past description of rough sleeping as a 'lifestyle choice', saying: 'Normally, people have had a lot of hardship before they get to that point.'

She said the Government needed to strike a balance between supporting rough sleepers into accommodation and employment, and ensuring members of the public were protected from 'aggressive' begging or other 'nuisance'.

According to The Times, more than 40 Conservative MPs - including most of the One Nation group of moderate Tories - have made it clear they will vote against the Criminal Justice Bill.

The newspaper reported the Government had 'paused' the legislation while ministers negotiate with rebels.

Business minister Kevin Hollinrake yesterday refused to say whether he supports the current plans for dealing with 'nuisance' rough sleepers.

Asked if he was supporting the legislation as it stands, he told Times Radio: 'Those things are not within my auspices.

'I'll be interested to see the legislation as it goes through. And what the what the Prime Minister has planned.'