BBC reporter Gary O’Donoghue has vowed to boycott a major high street chain after a patronising remark made to him. Gary, who is Chief North America Correspondent for BBC News and the former Chief Political Correspondent for London, says a member of staff told him he should always be accompanied by someone when he goes outside, due to being blind.

In a tweet made on X, he alleged: “The branch of Boots on Great Portland Street has just told me that I should have someone with me when I come out as a blind person. When I objected to them telling me [how] to lead my life, they said it was for my own good. Unbelievable. Last time I go in there #Boots.”

Fans quickly rushed to support him, with one quipping: “I’d have smiled and replied, ‘Have you ever been to America? The next time you’re there, I’ll show you round the White House. I know it quite well’.”

Someone else fumed: “@BootsUK I really expect an apology to Gary, he literally navigates the world whilst blind, and I suggest the offending shop assistant is sent on a training course!”

Another said: “How rude of them, that’s very crap customer service!”

Boots did reply to Gary’s post, telling him: “Hi Gary, thank you for making us aware and we’re so sorry to hear of your experience. If you can please DM with more details then we can ensure this [is] investigated and addressed. Many thanks.”

Express.co.uk has contacted Boots for further comment.

Gary was born partially sighted, but lost his vision completely when he was just eight years old – meaning he has been navigating the world as a blind man for decades.

He attended Worcester College for the Blind and played blind football for England before attending Oxford University to study philosophy and modern languages.